Egyptians celebrate 'Eid of the revolution'

Cairo: Egyptians on Tuesday celebrate Eid Al Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the first since a popular revolt toppled long-standing president Hosni Mubarak in February.

"This year's Eid has a special joy about it. It is the Eid of freedom after the blessed revolution," read leaflets distributed by the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt's most influential group.

Meanwhile, thousands of Egyptians rallied at Al Tahrir Square, the epicentre of anti-Mubarak protests, to offer special prayers marking the Eid. "This Eid is better without Mubarak," a preacher told a congregation of worshippers in Al Tahrir. "Everyone should know that Egypt will not return to what it was before January 25," he said in a sermon, referring to the day when unprecedented protests erupted against the Mubarak regime.

"I was keen to come along with my family to Al Tahrir to perform the Eid prayers in this place, which is a milestone in Egypt's march towards freedom and democracy," said Hanfi Faraj, an accountant. Anti-riot police were deployed around the square, but no incidents were reported. "I feel this is the best Eid in my life because Egypt is free after 30 years of oppression and corruption," added Faraj.

Mubarak, 83, ruled Egypt for three decades and is now being tried on charges of involvement in a deadly crackdown on protesters and power abuse.

"Despite uncertainty about the future, I feel optimistic," said Isra Abdel Fatah, an activist, who showed up to attend the Eid prayers in Al Tahrir. "I pin my hopes on the upcoming elections (later this year) when Egyptians will elect their representatives for the first time without fraud," she added.

Families of protesters, who were killed during the anti-Mubarak revolt, were honoured Tuesday at a ceremony in Al Tahrir. At least 846 people were killed in the revolt, according to a fact-finding commission.