Mangaluru/Udupi, Sept 1: Eid al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice, was celebrated with religious fervor across coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and some parts of neighboring districts on Friday. In their sermons, the clerics stressed for unity and communal harmony while delivering the message of the Eid.
Locally known as ‘Bakrid’, the second major festival of Islamic calendar is celebrated to commemorate the sacrifices of Prophet Ibraheem (pbuh). In Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia also the ‘Greater Eid’ was celebrated on Friday, which also marked the completion of Hajj, the last of the five pillars of Islam. However, in most parts of India Ed al-Adha will be celebrated on Saturday.
Mangaluru Khazi Twaka Ahmed Musliyar, in his Eid sermon at historic Eidgah Masjid in the city, urged the Muslims to remain steadfast in adhering to their religion and not to indulge in any wrongdoing throughout their lives.
He urged the Muslims to emulate the example of Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) and uphold Islamic unity and brotherhood. He also reiterated that Thouheed (monotheism) was the essence of teachings of all the prophets (pbuh).
Glorifying the greatness of Allah, thousands of Muslims across the twin districts, thronged the Masjids and Eidgahs early in the day and offered Eid prayers. Hundreds of women and children too participated in prayers in some of the Masjids. Prayers were offered for peace and harmony in coastal region.
In several villages of the twin district, Muslims took out peaceful procession from their jurisdictional Masjids to Eidgahs ahead of the prayers. Donning new clothes, Muslims visited houses of their relatives, where they were treated with special sweet dishes. Platters of a variety of delicious cuisines were prepared in Muslim households.
Children dressed in festival attire added colour to the celebrations. People wished Eid Mubarak and hugged each other as a large number of shutterbugs tried to capture the poignant scenes of the festival prayers and greetings. People of all age-groups were seen taking selfies with friends after exchanging greetings.
Meanwhile, police units in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi beefed up security in the areas where Masjids are located, particularly in and around the twin cities. Police constables were seen keeping vigil in some of the Masjids.
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