Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who took part in the Eid-ul-Azha (Bakrid) celebrations on Wednesday warned strict action against people who spread hatred in the name of caste and religion.
Addressing the gathering at Bilal Idgah Grounds, Bannerghatta Road, Siddaramaiah said: “Those who indulge in dividing the society in the name of caste and religion will not be spared. People of all religions should live in harmony, without any fear. While its the responsibility of the state government to ensure peaceful living, people should also co-operate.”
A huge number of people turned up at Idgah Grounds and at Hazrath Khazi Abdul Khuddus Saheb Eidgarh on Millers' Road to offer prayers. Similarly, Masjid Haji Ismail Sait at Frazer Town was visited by around 8,000 people where Moulavi Zubair Ahmed Rashadi led the prayers and explained the significance of festival. The members exchanged greetings.
Special prayers were also offered at Idgah Maidan in Chamrajpet, Masjid E Sultan Shah (Shivajinagar), Masjid Tawakkal Mastan (Cottonpet) among other placess.
Younis M, a resident of Hebbal said: “The festival is celebrated to commemorate the sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim. Apart from the tradition of sacrificing a goat or ‘bakr,’ every Muslim household prepares delicacies such as biryani, kheer, jamoons. Its also an occasion where we indulge in shopping and buy new clothes.”
A businessman from Hegdenagar, Alam Pasha shelled out Rs 2.50 lakh on a Bannur sheep weighing 50 kg. He purchased the sheep at from Idgah Grounds, Chamrajpet on October 14. “I have been saving each penny, for the last one year, to buy the Bannur sheep and I will cull it for the next Bakrid,” he said.
Shepherds maintained that sheep of of Bannur are rich in terms of quality and taste. " There is an increasing demand for this variety of sheep. The meat is tasty," said shepherd Chandrappa.
Security beefed up
On the occasion of Bakrid, around 9,000 civil police assisted by 3,000 traffic police men were deployed in addition to home guards and City Armed Reserve (CAR) personnel across the City.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Additional Commissioner of Police ( Law and Order), Kamal Pant said: “There were no problems or unpleasant activities reported from any areas. The celebrations were peaceful. More police personnel were deployed at busy junctions such as Chamrajpet, Goripalya, Jayanagar and Tilaknagar. As many as 12 deputy commissioners of police were also on the field,” Pant added.
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