Capital celebrates Eid with fervour

Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid calls for peace, tells people not to believe rumours

 Amid the prayers, feasting and wearing new clothes, Muslims across the city celebrated Eid-Ul-Fitr on Monday, marking the end of the Ramzan month of fasting. “Eid mubarak” greetings resonated in the city’s various mosques.

Syed Ahmed Bukhari, the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, referred to the Bodo-Muslim ethnic violence in Assam and the exodus from Bangalore and some other cities of people from the Northeast. He asked people not to believe in rumours and maintain peace and calm.

“It is an unfortunate incident. I hope the ghost of this incident does not come to haunt any of us,” said Farooq Abid from Mumbai, who came to celebrate the festival with his family in Jamia Nagar.

“For me, this year’s Eid is for beginnings. I extend my prayers to all those living in refugee camps and struggling to survive,” said Abid.

Eid starts with offering prayers, and feasts are prepared by families and relished together with guests and relatives.

“In many families, two or more families come together to cook a grand meal. In some families, relatives bring cooked meals to share them with others,” said Ambreen, a student. “It is a day when we eat our hearts out. We fast for a month and the food timings are restricted. So on this day we eat.”

The variety of food available in the Walled City on this day is the example of celebrations through feasting.

“Biryani, all kinds of kebab, shorma, paya, phirni and other delicacies can be had in Old Delhi even if you don’t get them cooked at home. After offering prayers families often come to the Walled City. It’s colourful and the sound of the azaan in the background gives serenity. Then there is so much to eat; it sure is a non-vegetarians’ delight,” said Iqbah Naqvi.

After the meetings and feastings are over, the much awaited Eidi — gifts and money — are usually given to children.

“Shopping starts towards the evening. I am here at this south Delhi mall and a majority of people here are Muslims coming to shop. However, most people still prefer going to Old Delhi to shop too,” added Naqvi.

Security has been beefed up in Old Delhi and marketplaces. President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and chief minister Sheila Dikshit joined the celebrations.