President, vice president greet people on Eid-ul-Azha

President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice President Hamid Ansari greeted the people Friday on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, wishing the festival would resolve to build a peaceful, harmonious, fraternal and progressive society.

In his message, the president said: "The festival of Eid-ul-Azha epitomizes the noble values of sacrifice, trust and forgiveness."

"Let us today remind ourselves of the spirit of sacrifice in the cause of goodness that alone can lead to peace and harmony. May this unique festival inspire us to sacrifice our selfish interests in the larger interest of the country as a whole," the president said.

Greeting the people, Ansari said: "The celebration of this festival reminds us of the cherished human values of compassion, sharing and sacrifice."

"On this joyous occasion, let us all firmly resolve to build a peaceful, harmonious, fraternal and progressive society," the vice-president said.

Eid-ul-Azha is celebrated by Muslims across the globe in honour of Prophet Ibrahim, who was even willing to sacrifice his son Ismail to please Allah.

According to Muslim belief, Allah replaced Ismail with a sheep just as Ibrahim was about to slit his throat - hence the tradition of sacrificing an animal.