BHUBANESWAR: With the end of the holy month of Ramdan, Muslims across the Capital City celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr with religious zeal on Saturday. All male members of the community and children offered morning prayer at mosques, after which they exchanged greetings.
After fasting with austerity all through the month, Muslims wait for the appearance of the auspicious moon to celebrate the festival. Donning caps, colourful scarfs and dressed in new clothes, Muslims made a beeline to mosques from early hours of the day.
The day started with some families offering food to the needy, a practice called zakat-al-fitr. After distribution of food, the young and old congregated at mosques, read Namaz and exchanged pleasantries. ‘Eidee’ gifts were also offered to poor children.
The Jama Masjid at Unit IV and the Masjid at Unit-III witnessed huge gatherings. Community leaders greeted people on the occasion and prayed for peace and harmony of the society.
“The Prophet equated fasting with a shield which protects His children from evil acts and helps in holding the ethics upright,” a devotee said.