Muslims celebrate Eid across the nation

One of the main centres for the Eid festivities in Delhi was the Jama Masjid where thousands of devotees gathered to offer prayers.

In keeping with tradition, people wore new clothes to celebrate the festival.
After prayers, the devotees will sacrifice goats and other animals. People also donate meat to the poor on this occasion of sharing and sacrifice.

“I have just come back after offering namaaz. Now I will celebrate with my family and will distribute to the poor and underprivileged,” said Khalid Mohammad, a resident of Jamia Nagar in south Delhi.

Eid-ul-Zuha, also known as Bakr-Eid or the festival of sacrifice, is one of the most important festivals in the Muslim calendar. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son on Allah's command. According to Islamic belief, Allah wanted to test Ibrahim and told him to sacrifice his son Ismail.

He agreed to do it, but found his paternal feelings hard to suppress. So, he blindfolded himself before putting Ismail at the altar on Mount Mina near Mecca. When he removed his blindfold after the sacrifice, he saw his son standing in front of him.

On the altar lay a slaughtered lamb. It is in honour of this test of faith that Muslims around the world sacrifice animals on the occasion to show their faith in God.

PM greets nation

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wished the people on Eid ul Zuha and expressed the hope that the spirit of selfless giving symbolised by the festival unites all Indians.

"On this occasion I convey my best wishes to the people and hope that the spirit of selfless giving symbolised by Eid ul Zuha unites all Indians."

He also said the festival "is the spirit of sacrifice and brotherhood".

The prime minister is in Trinidad and Tobago to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.