After nearly of a month of fasting, Muslims in Bangalore on Sunday celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr with religious fervour and traditional gaiety.

Scenes of Muslims offering congregational Eid prayers in Mosques and greeting each other with hugs were aplenty.

Several Mosques across the City both big and small were thronged by worshippers clad in white to offer special prayers in the early morning to mark the end of a month of fasting.

Traffic movement on several roads and localities like Mysore Road, Azadnagar, Chamarajpet, Millers Road, Jayamahal, City Market was at snails pace in the morning, as worshippers had gathered in large numbers. Many of them both old and young attired in colourful outfits were seen indulging in loads of shopping at bazaars and malls.

It was also a day when every one feasted on sumptuous meals and delicious sweets.

Sadqa-e-fitr

Delicacies like biryani, rogan josh, kebabs, etc were served to guests in many Muslim homes across the City.

Several Muslims gave charity, known as sadqa-e-fitr to the poor and needy.

“The fitr is money which is distributed among the poor and needy. This way the message of universal brotherhood is spread. Similarly, Roza makes us realise what hunger is so that we can be able help those who are starving,” said Masood Khader, a Muslim scholar.  Echoing similar views, Jabbar Ahmed who works in a multi-national bank said that a month fasting observed by Muslims teaches them to be God-fearing and self-restraint.

Brotherhood

“Today the concept of universal brotherhood is non-existent, there is so much hatred among human beings. Festivals like Eid helps us stay connected to God and spread the message of universal brotherhood,” he said.

Politicians were also not far behind as they too were part of the festivities.

Former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy wearing a traditional Muslim cap was seen offering prayers at a mosque in Chamarajpet.