Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated peacefully with traditional fervour and gaiety in various districts of the State.
Muslims in many parts of the State observed the festival on Saturday after the moon was sighted Friday night.
Thousands of Muslims thronged mosques in the morning and offered prayers. They also hugged one another wishing everyone “Eid Mubarak”.
Moreover, amid security forces keeping a close vigil in the sensitive areas, the special namaz passed off peacefully in the State. The day which marks the culmination of the holy month of Ramzan witnessed people dressed in new attires offering namaz at mosques, greeting each other and visiting friends and relatives.
In Dehradun, thousands of Muslims flocked to mosques and Idgahs to offer special prayers on Eid-ul-Fitr as people exchanged greetings with warm embraces and took part in feasts with family and friends. People visited relatives and enjoyed special dishes, particularly ‘sewayian’ made of vermicelli and different varieties of biryani and kebabs. Elders gave ‘eidee’ (token money) to children and gave out alms to the needy.
Thousands of devotees offered Eid prayers at mosque near Bindal, which marked the biggest gathering in the State capital. During namaz, the place between Bindal Bridge and Kishannagar chowk was marked as zero zones. At the mosque on EC Road and Sahastradhara crossing, over 2000 devotees offered Eid prayer.
“Extensive security arrangements were in place across the district, especially where large congregations took place. We had made elaborate security arrangements in the city. Police patrolling were intensified and additional forces were deployed in mixed population areas and police were directed to be vigilant on anti–social elements,” said Dehradun SSP Pushpak Jyoti.
One Namazi Abdul said, “Ramzan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, is a time to fast for the sake of god, offer more prayers, ask for forgiveness for the sins of the past and for guidance in the future. Fasting during Ramzan is meant to teach people patience and humility. Ramzan ends with Eid-ul-Fitr, after 29-30 days. People embrace each other on the occasion, forgiving, pardoning and promising each other for a peaceful and prosperous future.”
One Salman, who offered prayer at mosque on EC Road said, “I have been observing roja (fast) for the last many years and praying for peace, prosperity and happiness of all. This day, dressed in new attire, people embrace each other and exchange sweets with others.”
He said, “After offering namaz, we did shopping and gathered with relatives for an elaborate lunch.”
“Korma, kababs and biryani will be prepared in the evening as we have invited some friends and relatives over for dinner,” said Aabida, resident of Sahastradhara.
Nehru Colony resident Imran said “People greet each other saying ‘Eid Mubarak’ and embracing each other. People also exchange gifts. They wear new clothes. Children are given Eidi (sum of money) by the elderly people. Women and girls apply beautiful design of Mehndi on their palms and feet.”