VIJAYAWADA: After 29 days of fasting and offering Namaz, Muslim devotees across the city celebrated Ramzan (Eid-ul-Fitr) Tuesday with their families and friends. All the mosques in the city witnessed a heavy rush with devotees offering special prayers (Namaz).
“Ramzan is a festival celebrated with the near and dear. It is a symbol of peace and love. My friends from the other religions have come and offered special prayers to Allah along with me,” said Shaik Fareed of Bhavanipuram.
Almost all houses and mosques in One Town were decorated with lights and balloons, while women were found busy preparing mouth-watering dishes. “I had prepared chicken biryani, mutton kofta and sheer kurma, to mention a few, as many relatives and friends are visiting our home today,” said Aftaz Begum, a home maker.
Several people from the community also offered Fitr (a pack of fruits and sweets) to the poor, symnbolising their unity. “We have donated kheer (sweet) to the poor Muslims after Namaz and sought blessings for our children,” said Syed Karimullah at Tikkle Road Centre.
Though rains were slightly obstructive just before Ramzan, most of Muslims termed it a ‘sign of good days ahead’ for the state. “After the bifurcation, farmers in the state had a tough time due to lack of rains. But rains lashed the state just two days before Ramzan and brought smiles to faces of the people in the farming community. It is also a good sign for our new state,” Shaik Mahboob Khan of Panja Centre said. Women devotees and kids participated in big numbers in Eid-ul-Fitr Namaz conducted at Gymkhana Grounds by Masjid-E-Quba committee.
Meanwhile, Vijayawada West MLA Jalil Khan participated in the Ramzan celebrations held at One Town. MP Kesineni Srinivas and Central MLA Bonda Umamaheswara Rao also offered special players at various mosques in the city.