In Meerut district’s Maliyana village, mosque committees gathered ahead of Eid to plan arrangements, focusing on logistics such as permissions, barricades and crowd management rather than celebrations or sacrificial preparations.

Worshippers were advised to avoid overcrowding, follow prayer shifts if mosques became full, and refrain from arguments or responding to provocations.

Local police advisories circulating in WhatsApp groups urged caution around public gatherings.

The village has a history of communal violence, including a 1987 incident in which dozens of Muslims were killed.

Residents say recent tensions have revived concerns ahead of Eid.

Muslim community members and mosque organisers said increasing restrictions on public prayers in Uttar Pradesh have created an atmosphere of caution in which visibility itself is seen as sensitive.

They cited directives from authorities discouraging or limiting prayers in open spaces and roads, with some communities instructed to conduct prayers in shifts or smaller groups.

Muslims in the state said past incidents, including police action and legal cases related to public prayers, have contributed to anxiety ahead of religious gatherings.

Some mosque committees said they are now prioritising coordination with local authorities and avoiding congestion to prevent confrontation.

Residents described Eid preparations as increasingly focused on compliance and risk avoidance rather than communal celebration.

They said concerns extend beyond prayer arrangements to broader scrutiny of religious practices, including public gatherings and animal sacrifice during Eid al-Adha.

Analysts and community members said the situation reflects broader debates in India over the use of public spaces for religious expression and how regulations are applied across different communities.

They added that while authorities cite public order and traffic management, Muslim groups allege uneven enforcement and growing restrictions on visibility in public spaces.

Despite concerns, markets and households continue Eid preparations, with shops busy and families preparing for the festival, though many say there is a noticeable sense of unease compared to previous years.