World | India
Mumbai attack haunts nation's Eid festivities
Muslims attired in their best gathered at mosques for prayers and wished each other on the occasion of Eid Al Adha on Tuesday, but the mood was distinctly sombre in Mumbai, which is still recovering from its 60-hour terror siege.
- IANS
- Published: 19:55 December 9, 2008
- Image Credit: Reuters
- Muslims perform the Eid Al Adha prayers at Jama Masjid in Delhi yesterday.
New Delhi/Mumbai/Hyderabad: Muslims attired in their best gathered at mosques for prayers and wished each other on the occasion of Eid Al Adha on Tuesday, but the mood was distinctly sombre in Mumbai, which is still recovering from its 60-hour terror siege.
People in Mumbai and elsewhere decided to wear black bands to send out a strong message against terrorism.
Imams offered special prayers for peace and prosperity at the numerous eidgahs or open grounds and mosques.
After the prayers, Muslims sacrificed goats and other 'halal' animals commemorating the great sacrifice of Prophet Ebrahim (PBUH).
In the national capital, the centre of Eid festivities was the 17th century Jama Masjid, where about 20,000 devotees gathered to offer prayers. "In the aftermath of the Mumbai terror attacks, festivities are low-key," said a cleric.
Security at the mosque was tight. All devotees were frisked and there were constant announcements, asking people to report anything suspicious.
The Imam, addressing the masses during prayer, condemned the November 26 attacks and called for simple celebrations.
In Mumbai, the festivities were low-key. "This Eid, I am keeping things very simple. I will distribute alms and food to the poor and wear a black band to mark my anger against terror," said Asma Shaikh, an advertising executive.
Ashfaq Hussain, a taxi driver, said: "Forget about celebrations, it just doesn't feel like Eid. There is no excitement in the neighbourhood and I just don't feel like feasting. It's a holy occasion that symbolises sacrifice in the name of God. So I will observe the ritual but nothing more than that."
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