Heavy downpour since Wednesday evening failed to affect the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at Idgah and the festival was celebrated with zeal across the State including Bhopal. Despite drizzling Idgah was filled to its maximum capacity where people offered special prayers while getting drenched.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan wished heartiest greetings and best wishes to the Muslim brethren of the state on Eid-ul-Fitr by reaching Eidgah where the main prayers of Eid are held following one month of fasting. Chouhan visited Idgah and greeted the devouts on the Eid, which marks the end of the holy, fasting month of Ramadan.
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 is 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 that 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 about 8.15 am.
Tajul Masjid, Jama Masjid, Moti Masjid and other mosques in the city were also overflowing with the devouts offering special prayers. People hugged and greeted each other. The festival was also celebrated with fervour in other parts of the State.
Madhya Pradesh state Congress chief Arun Yadav greeted the Muslim community on the occasion and said the festival is evocative of the 'Ganga-Jamuni' culture of India.
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.