ROURKELA: Muslims across the Steel City and rest of Sundargarh district on Saturday celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr which marked the end of the fasting of Islamic month of Ramadan.
The festival was celebrated in a grand way with more than 30,000 Muslims offering special prayer at different mosques and Idgah grounds in the city.
A prominent Muslim, Md Inam Khan said the sighting of the crescent moon on Friday evening at different areas of the country paved the way for Eid-ul-Fitr celebration on Saturday. He, however, said the moon was not visible at Rourkela and the fasting month of Ramdan was of 29 days this year.
Khan said special community payers were offered at two Idgah grounds besides Badi Masjid and Chhoti Masjid located on Nala Road and Sector-15 mosque. After offering prayer, Muslims exchanged greetings and hugged one another to welcome the new Islamic month.
They also participated in a feast on food delicacies, he added.
Community leader Afroz Ahmad said the festive mood was all pervasive in the area which has a sizeable Muslim population. Besides Muslims, people of other religions also celebrated the festival in a spirit of brotherhood, he said.
The festival was also celebrated at Sundargarh town, Rajgangpur and Birmitrapur towns along with Bisra, Lahunipara and Kutra blocks.
Jharsuguda: Muslims from all walks of life in the industrial town of Jharsuguda gathered at various mosques here to celebrate
Eid. After offering prayer, they greeted each other and exchanged gifts. Later, they enjoyed special dishes particularly ‘seviyan’ made of vermicelli phirni. The festival was also celebrated in Brajrajnagar, Belpahar and rural pockets of Jharsuguda district.