Eid-ul-Fitr, also called the feast of breaking the fast or the Sugar Feast that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, was celebrated with simplicity and fervour in Dehradun on Friday.
The celebrations of Eid are in full swing in the State. However, Governor Dr Aziz Qureshi said that he did not celebrate Eid with any formal revelry due to the recent Kedarnath tragedy. He also asked the citizens, especially Muslims, to come forward to help those affected by the disaster in the State of Uttarakhand.
Muslims gathered in the Jama Masjid in Paltan Bazaar, the Eidgah at Bindal and other parts of the city to offer the special Namaaz on the occasion. Although, rain continued to pour during the day but it did not dampen the spirits of people who gathered in large masses in the mosques to pray for happiness and peace.
“We got up early in the morning and went to offer namaaz and later exchanged greetings and gifts with family members and friends. It was raining throughout the day which made it difficult for us to pray at the Eidgah. We have also prepared various delicious which we offered to guests and friends while the children received Eidi in gifts or cash,” said Doon resident Affan Nawaz Khan.
Members of the Muslim community gathered in large number and rayed for harmony, peace and brotherhood.The markets in Doon were crowded with people shopping and looking around for gifts for their near and dear ones.
Due to the crowds expected to attend the morning namaaz, the police had diverted traffic during the morning on various roads of the city. Traffic going to or coming from Saharanpur Chowk and towards Chakrata Road were diverted via Rajpur Road.