JOIN USA spirit of bonhomie and festive cheer marked Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations across the country on Saturday as people exchanged greetings and large gatherings were seen at mosques and religious shrines for taking part in the observances.
In Srinagar, Hazratbal shrine saw a congregation of more than 60,000 people offering the morning prayers with Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and his predecessor Omar Abdullah present among the devout.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh extended Eid-ul-Fitr greetings to the people with the former saying that the “festival epitomises values of brotherhood and harmony in society”.
In the national capital, hundreds of faithful turned up at historic Jama Masjid, Fathepuri Masjid, Hazrat Nizamuddin and other mosques to offer prayers. Soon after the namaz was over, people hugged each other as per the tradition and mosques reverberated with cries of “Eid Mubarak”. People were seen exchanging gifts and indulging their taste buds on special dishes, particularly “sewayian” and different varieties of biryani and kebabs.
In Gujarat, Muslims attired in new clothes, men and children visited Eidgahs and mosques for prayers. Major congregations were seen at historic Jumma Masjid where around 35,000 people offered namaz. Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel also extended her wishes on the festival to the Muslim community.
As Eid coincided with the 138th Lord Jagannath's Rath yatra, special security arrangements were made. Around 20,000 security personnel were deployed to ensure smooth celebration of both the festivals.
In Mumbai, Muslim brethren began the day by offering special prayers. Dressed in finest clothes, they greeted each other and along with friends and relatives later feasted on delicacies like “sheer khurma” (vermicelli pudding).
Governor Vidyasagar Rao and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis extended greetings to the people on the occasion.
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