NEW DELHI: Eid al Fitr was celebrated across India on Monday with tens of thousands of Muslims converging at mosques to offer prayers and greet each other. In the turmoil-hit Kashmir Valley, clashes were reported between stone-pelters and security forces at various places.
Eidgahs across various states saw members of the Muslim community coming out in large numbers to offer ‘Namaz-e-Eid’.
Thousands of people offered prayers at the Jama Masjid in Delhi, and main mosques in Mumbai, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Srinagar, Bhopal, Bengaluru and several other places.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the nation on the occasion, hoping that the auspicious day further the spirit of peace and brotherhood in our society.
A string of Bollywood personalities, including Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Anil Kapoor and Varun Dhawan, wished their fans and followers a year full of happiness, peace and love.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday extended his greetings to the people of Kashmir on Eid, saying he hoped the festival will bring peace, harmony and happiness in the Valley.
However, clashes broke out on Monday between the security forces and stone pelters at several places in the Kashmir Valley after Eid prayers.
At least 10 protesters were injured in the clashes in Anantnag, Sopore, Kulgam, Pulwama and Pattan towns, police said.
Eid prayers elsewhere in the valley ended peacefully.
A huge number of devotees were seen offering Eid prayers at the Hazratbal shrine and other mosques and Eidgahs in the valley.
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti offered Eid prayers at a mosque in the high security Sonawar area.
The Kashmir Inspector General of Police on Sunday issued an advisory, asking the VIPs to offer Eid prayers only at protected places and avoid public places.
Heavy rains in Kerala forced Muslims to hold prayers and religious ceremonies indoors. The largest crowds were witnessed in the-Muslim dominated areas like Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur as well as Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. Mutton and beef stalls were crowded at most places as people were seen queuing up to get their requirements for the day since late Sunday evening.
Eid celebrations were held with fervour in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Huge congregations were seen at the historic Mir Alam Eidgah, Madannapet Eidgah, Ujale Shah, Balamrai, Makkah Masjid, Public Gardens mosque, hockey grounds, military grounds and Secunderabad Eidgah in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secundrabad.— IANS
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
