Muslims across India celebrate Eid with prayers

New Delhi: Muslims across India on Saturday are celebrating Eid Al Fitr by offering prayers.

In Delhi, people hugged each other after offering namaz at Delhi’s Jama Masjid.

A man who came to offer namaz said: “I extend my wishes to the entire country on the occasion of Eid. This is a very important occasion after the 30 days of fasting. We are happy right now and special arrangements are made for the morning namaz. Delicious food items will be made in our houses today.”

“Eid sends the message of peace, brotherhood, humanity and love. I wish all evils are removed from the country and happiness spreads everywhere. I wish the nation keeps moving forward and keeps prospering,” he added.

“The nation comes first. We are known by our country. We are ‘Hindustani’ first,” he further added.

Another man, G R Siddique from Ghaziabad said, “Today is a very happy day. Namaz is being offered everywhere in India with love.”

“My only message is that Hindus and Muslims in the country maintain the spirit of brotherhood and spread this message all across the globe,” he added.

In Kerala Muslims made a bee line to mosques and specially erected Eidgahs at several places across the state.

As the Muslims account for 26 per cent of the 3.30 crore state population, it was a mad rush to get a spot at the open air Eidgahs.

Leading from the front was Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan who participated at a Eidgah at Kollam, while superstar Mammootty who lost his mother on Friday, was spotted along with his actor son Dulqar Salman at a Eidgah in Kochi.

Senior Muslim clerics all across the state were busy as they led the prayers at various places.

Incidentally, all state government, private offices and educational institutions in Kerala are closed on account of Eid from Friday.

On Thursday late evening, the clerics announced that as the moon was not sighted that evening in Kerala, Eid will be celebrated on Saturday

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police were fully prepared to ensure the security of those offering namaz.

While talking to ANI, Special Commissioner of Police Dependra Pathak said, “This is a time of joy and festivities. Delhi Police has professional excellence in crowd management, especially when it comes to festivals or celebrations. Strategic deployment, communication with people and community policing is done every year. Forces do come from outside, across Delhi.”

“Thousands of Police personnel deployed in the Central District - both in uniform and civil clothes. The local population also cooperates in creating an orderly atmosphere,” he added.

Muslims in Mumbai offered namaz on the occassion of Eid at Mahim Dargah.

Eid in Madhya Pradesh’s Bhopal was celebrated on a grand scale as people gathered at Eidgah in Bhopal to offer greetings.