Eid-ul-Zuha, the Muslim festival to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim's readiness to sacrifice his son to Allah, was celebrated across India on Friday amid traditional fervour, with special prayers at mosques and ceremonial sacrifice of animals.
Clerics led Eid prayers at mosques in the national capital, including at the prominent Jama Masjid and Fatehpuri Masjid, where the faithful turned up in hundreds.
Vice President Hamid Ansari offered namaz at the New Delhi Jama Masjid near Parliament House while former President APJ Abdul Kalam offered prayers at Fathepuri Masjid in Old Delhi.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who was in the capital to attend official functions, offered prayers at Jama Masjid in Old Delhi. In his address at the mosque, Azad emphasised the importance of education in meeting the challenges of the modern world.
Muslims visited the houses of their relatives and friends and presented gifts.
President Pratibha Patil, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi greeted the countrymen on the occasion of the festival, requesting them to serve the cause of humanity.
The festival, which also marks the end of Haj pilgrimage, was celebrated across Uttar Pradesh amidst tight security arrangements. Muslims offered special Eid prayers at the Aishbagh Idgha and Tilewali Masjid in state capital Lucknow.
{{/usCountry}}The festival, which also marks the end of Haj pilgrimage, was celebrated across Uttar Pradesh amidst tight security arrangements. Muslims offered special Eid prayers at the Aishbagh Idgha and Tilewali Masjid in state capital Lucknow.
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