Eid-ul-Zuha (Bakra Eid), the festival of sacrifice, was celebrated across the State with fervour and devotion on Friday. The Muslim community started thronging the mosques since early morning. Chief Minister Harish Rawat was present at the Chakrata Road Eidgah during the Eid-ul-Zuha namaz. Offering prayers for peace and prosperity in the State, Rawat also greeted the town Qazi and other members of the Muslim community present there.
He expressed grief at the stampede in Mecca while adding that all Hajis from Uttarakhand were safe.
“It is a occasion to take the holy pledge that a devotee should not hesitate to sacrifice what he deems as the dearest to God if the Almighty commands so. The spirit of Abraham is a beacon for all us,” said Murtuza, a resident of Salawala, Dehradun.
Attired in new dresses, the people offered prayers and greeted one another, renewing the bond of brotherhood. Even the kids were seen offering prayers, clad in new cloths. After the prayer was over they prayed for the people who had died in the Haj stampede.
This was followed by the ritual of sacrifice. lending the occasion with an inclusive hue, the people of other communities were seen embracing their Muslim brethren.
Muzzafar , a resident of E C Road said they would celebrate the festival for the next two days also. “The festival celebrates universal brotherhood. Islam in its essence is not an exclusive religion. It transcends the creedal barriers to embrace all in love for God and for humanity at large,” he said.
Iqra, a resident of Dalanwala, said after the celebration at home was over they would celebrate it with other relatives and friends.
Police said the day passed off peacefully.