Prayers, feasts mark Eid celebrations

Thousands of people dressed in new clothes thronged mosques across the capital on Monday to offer prayers on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr before heading off to enjoy elaborate feasts with relatives and friends.

Thousands of people dressed in new clothes thronged mosques across the capital on Monday to offer prayers on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr before heading off to enjoy elaborate feasts with relatives and friends.

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Eid, celebrated on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal, marks the end of the period of fasting during the holy month of Ramzan.

"After praying at the local mosque I will go to my friends place where all of us will enjoy sevian (a sweet made of vermicelli). Later in the evening we have planned a big family gathering," said Moinuddin, a resident of Jamia Nagar in south Delhi.

Eid is an Arabic word meaning "festivity", while Fitr means "charity".

The days leading up to Eid had seen people on a shopping spree, purchasing new clothes, utensils, dry fruits and other ingredients for the grand Eid feast.

Delhi Police have made elaborate security arrangements -- apart from diverting traffic at various places, particularly near mosques.

"We have made adequate security and traffic arrangements for the day to avoid any problems," a police officer said.