Mumbai: Vendors, amusement ride owners cry foul after police shut Mahim fair despite permit

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Owners of stalls and amusement rides at Mahim Fair in Reti Bunder have claimed huge losses after the Mumbai police shut down the activities in the area a day early despite giving them permission to operate till Sunday, reported news agency PTI.

As per the permission granted by the theatre branch of the Mumbai police, the annual Mahim fair could be held in the Reti Bunder area from 10 am to 10 pm from December 27, 2023 till January 7, reported PTI.

The fair draws lakhs of people during the Makhdoom Shah Baba Urs, and owners of stalls and amusement rides claim that they have incurred losses of up to Rs 15 lakh due to the police action on Saturday, reported PTI.

"While the permission on paper is till January 7, it was granted by mistake. The activities at the fair had to be stopped on Saturday, as the Mahim Urs culminated on Friday. We can't permit the stalls and amusement rides to operate at Reti Bunder," a senior police official said, reported PTI.

Owners of stalls and rides have however expressed their displeasure, as they have incurred major losses, reported PTI.

"Despite permission, we were not allowed to operate rides. The police action is biased. We have a right to earn. Why did the department give us permission and is harassing us now?" said Fazil Zubair Khamesha, who operates rides, reported PTI.

Earlier, on December 27, Mumbai Police officials presented the first 'sandal' to the 14th century Sufi saint Makhdum Fakih Ali Mahimi as part of their decades old practice during the Mahim Dargah Urs.

Mumbai Police officials presented the sandal, an array of sandalwood paste, flower, and shawl on the eve of the 610 Urs of Mahim Dargah.

Meanwhile, in a statement, the Mahim Dargah Trust said, the 10-day event famously known as the Annual Mahim Fair will commence from December 27, 2023 and will end on the eve of January 5, 2024.

The event, which has been gazetted since 1910, has the honour of Mumbai Police offering the first sandal or offerings to the 14th century Sufi saint Hazrat Makhdum Fakih Ali Mahimi, it said.

Thousands of devotees attend the Annual Mahim Fair to make offerings to the saint at the Dargah and take part in the festivities at the fair, the statement said.

During this time, the Mahim Dargah is lit up with beautiful lights and is an amazing sight to see. More than 400 sandals are offered during the 10th day Annual Mahim Fair, the statement said.

(With inputs from PTI)