Even as the heavy downpour since Friday evening affected the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers here at the Idgah, the festival was celebrated with zeal across the State, including the State Capital Bhopal.
The number of devotees was cut to almost half at the Idgah for offering prayers due to continued rain that also forced to organise Eid prayers in small mosques spread in various parts of the city.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan wished heartiest greetings and best wishes to the Muslim brethren of the State on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr by reaching Eidgah where the main prayers of Eid were held following one month of fasting.
The Chief Minister showered rose petals on the devotees when they were coming out of the Eidgah after offering prayers and pampered the children. Chouhan, while complimenting the people on the occasion, said that Eid-ul-Fitra was festival brotherhood, peace and love and people of all faiths should celebrate it jointly. He also prayed for global peace on the occasion.
He said unity should prevail in the State and the country all people should do progress and prosperity should come in everybody’s life, and the country an state move on the path of development. All of us should contribute in the development of state and country, he added.
Bhopal MP Alok Sanjar and Mayor Alok Sharma were also present on the occasion, besides Bhopal District Congress Committee president PC Sharma and former Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) chairman Kailash Mishra. Off late, former Union Minister Suresh Pachouri also reached Idgah and wished heartiest greetings and best wishes to the people.
Despite heavy downpour chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reached the Idgah at 7.30 am the time scheduled for the prayers and after being there for over 45 minutes left the venue at about8.15 am.
It was for the first time that the BJP Minority Cell and Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board (MPWB) hoarding and banners extending wishes and compliments dominated the city leaving aside Congress in the game. MPWB is headed by BJP chairman.