Pronunciation: [ˈa͡ɪdɡə] (IPA) 
The word "idgah" is a term commonly used in the Muslim community to refer to an open-air prayer ground. The spelling of this word is based on the original pronunciation, which is /ɪd.ɡɑː/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, while the second syllable is pronounced with a hard "g" sound followed by a long "a" sound. The "h" at the end is silent. Despite variations in spelling, the correct pronunciation remains the same.
Idgah is a noun of Persian origin that has been adopted into the Urdu language. It refers to a specific type of mosque or prayer ground for Muslims. The word "idgah" is derived from the combination of two Persian words: "id" meaning festival or celebration, and "gah" meaning place or ground.
In the Islamic context, an idgah is a large open space, generally located outside the main city or town, where Muslims gather to perform special prayers and religious activities during specific Islamic festivals, especially Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. It is an essential part of the tradition to hold the congregational prayer at idgahs for these festive occasions.
Typically, an idgah consists of an expansive open ground or field, often surrounded by lush greenery. It may or may not have a building or structure directly associated with it, focusing more on providing an ample space to accommodate the large number of worshippers. The prayer leader, called the imam, leads the congregational prayer, followed by a sermon that aims to reinforce the significance of the festival and invoke spiritual reflection among the attendees.
Idgahs hold a significant place in Muslim communities, not only for the religious ceremonies they host but also for the social and community aspect. They serve as a gathering place for family, friends, and neighbors who come together to celebrate and enjoy the festivities that follow the prayers.
The word "idgah" comes from the Persian language, specifically from the combination of two words: "eid", meaning festival or celebration, and "gah", meaning place or spot. In Persian, "idgah" refers to a place where the congregational prayer for the Islamic festival of Eid is held. Over time, the term "idgah" has been adopted into various languages spoken in regions influenced by Persian/Islamic culture, such as Urdu, Hindi, and other South Asian languages, to refer to the same concept of a place for Eid prayers.
