Eid-ul-Fitr, popularly known as the “Festival of Breaking of the Fast”, comes after the new moon is sighted at the end of the month of fasting, Ramazan.
In the national capital, Delhi, thousands of devotees offered prayers at mosques across the city early Wednesday morning to celebrate the festival.
People congregated at Jama Masjid, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah, and other mosques in different parts of the city to offer prayers, thanking Allah for the holy month of Ramazan.
The Jama Masjid area wore a festive look with crowds thronging the shops, especially eateries serving delicious dishes and sweet varieties. Shops and markets in the walled city are tastefully decorated and smell of sevaayian and other sweet delicacies greet the visitors in every street.
Many Hindu families greeted their Muslim brethren on the occasion. Security arrangements have also been beefed up and police is keeping an hawk eyed vigil to prevent any untoward incident on the occasion.
The President, the Vice President and the Prime Minister have greeted the nation on the occasion of the holy festival. In her message, Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil said, may this festival strengthen mutual goodwill and inspire each countryman to follow the path of love, friendship and harmony.
Vice President Mohd Hamid Ansari said that fasting observed during Ramzan reaffirms the spirit of charity and generosity and highlights the feelings of empathy.
Prime Minisiter Dr. Manmohan Singh in his message said that the festival highlights the spirit of sacrifice and the joy of sharing.
Lok Sabha Speaker Mrs. Meira Kumar an UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi have also greeted the nation on the occasion of Eid.
Governors and Chief Ministers of all states extended greetings to Muslims on the occasion.
In Jammu and Kashmir, Eid-ul-Fitr is being celebrated with traditional fervour and religious devotion. Muslims wearing new dresses thronged the beautifully decorated Eidgahs and Mosques right from the morning to offer special Eid prayers throughout the state.
Markets across the valley wore a festive look on the occasion.
In Jammu the main Id- congregation was held at main Idgah ground where thousands of Muslims offered prayers. Prayers were also held at various other Idgahs and Mosques.
At many places people from other communities had gathered outside Idgah to congratulate muslims on Eid.
Reports of Id celebrations have also come from Udhampur, Reasi, Kathua, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Rajouri, Poonch and other towns. Administration has made elaborate security arrangements to ensure peaceful Id celebrations.
J&K Governor N.N. Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister, Sh. Tara Chand and host of other leaders have greeted the people of the State on this auspicious occasion. They expressed the hope that the Eid will usher a new chapter of progress and all round development in the State.
In Andhra Pradesh, Eid-ul-Fitr festival is being celebrated through out the state on a grand scale with traditional fervour and gaiety. Muslims took part in special prayers at mosques and Idgahs which were decked up for the occasion. The old city of Hyderabad, where Muslims in large number has a festive look on the occasion of Eid.
Clad in traditional clothes, muslims have started visiting Idgahs and mosques from early Wednesday morning to offer special prayers and invoke the blessings of Allah.
Amidst tight security, nearly one lakh muslims took part in Eid prayers at Mir Alam Idgah in the Old City.
Hyderabad police commissioner Mr A.K. Khan personally inspected the security arrangements at Mir Alam Idgah.
After taking part in prayers, muslims exchanged greetings with each other and relished special delicacies, specially prepared on the occasion. A spirit of bonhomie was seen with Hindus visiting their Muslim friends to greet them.
In Karnataka, the Muslim fraternity in the twin cities of Hubli-Dharwad. People are engaged in prayers, exchange of sweets and other eatables.
Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda has conveyed his good wishes to the people of Karnataka on the occasion of Eid.
In Uttarakhand, Eid-ul-Fitr is being celebrated with religious fervour and enthusiasm. A large number of devotees performed special prayers at various Eidgah across the State.
In Madhya Pradesh, Id-Ul- Fitr is being celebrated with religious fervor and traditional enthusiasm.
In Madhya Pradesh Governor Rameshwar Takur and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan have extended their greetings to citizens on the occasion.
Eid is being celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety throughout Uttar Pradesh. Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Ms. Mayawati greeted the people on the occasion. Stringent security arrangements have been made in the state for peaceful celebration of festival.
Strong contingent of Provincial Armed constabulary (PAC), Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Rapid Response Force have been deployed in different places and civil defence personal are also helping local police.
Special Eid namaaz were offered by people at different Eidgahas and mosques at various places in the morning. In Lucknow a large number of people were gathered at Aishbagh Eidgaha ground to offered their namaz.Shia Muslims assembled at mosques at bada Imamabada for today’s prayer.
Eid Namaz was also organized in mosque at the Tajmahal in Agra on Wednesday morning. Large number of people offering their namaz in different small mosques in their areas throughout the state.
In evening Eid Milan programmes are also being organised in many places.
To celebrate Eid-ul-fitar troopers of Pakistan rangers offered sweets to their counterparts from the Border security force (BSF) at the Attari Wagah joint land check post between the two countries.
The senior officers including M.D. Rashid from Pak Rangers and Hem Raj Verma of BSF were present on the brief ceremony as greetings were exchanged.