Hyderabad, June 16 (IANS) Muslims across Telangana celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr with religious fervour and gaiety on Saturday.
Thousands of Muslims offered Eid prayers at Eidgahs or open grounds and mosques in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad and in the other towns.
Attired in new clothes and wearing skull caps, men and children thronged Eidgahs and mosques since morning for the 'Namaz-e-Eid', marking the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan.
The Imams in their sermons exhorted Muslims to continue the good deeds of the fasting month in the rest of the year. They urged the community to introspect and lead the lives in accordance with Quran and Sunnah, the holy life of Prophet Mohammed.
They also made 'dua' (supplication) for unity among Muslims and for peace across the world, especially in Palestine, Syria and Yemen.
The biggest congregation was held at Mir Alam Eidgah in Hyderabad. More than two lakh people offered namaz at this historic Eidgah.
The historic Makkah Masjid, Hocky Grounds, Military Grounds, Secunderabad Eidgah and Madannapet Eidgah also saw huge gatherings.
Addressing the gathering at Azizia mosque in Mehdipatnam, Moulana Imaduddin Mohsin Madani urged Muslims to regularly offer namaz and be true representatives of Islam.
Police made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the Eid prayers by imposing traffic restrictions. Hyderabad Police Commissioner Anjani Kumar greeted the Muslims at Mir Alam Eidgah.
A festive mood prevails in Muslim neighbourhoods in Hyderabad and Secunderabad as people greeted each other.
Eid was celebrated with religious fervour in the nine other districts of Telangana. Major congregations were seen in the towns of Warangal, Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Adilabad, Nalgonda and Mahabubnagar.
After month-long fasting, Muslims began the celebrations with prayers and greeted each other and people from other communities.
After the prayers, Muslims visited the houses of relatives and friends to offer greetings.
Guests were treated to sheer khorma (special sweet made of vermicelli, milk and dry fruits) and other dishes.
The shopping for Eid continued throughout the night and till Saturday morning. Markets around historic Charminar in the old city and other parts of the city were abuzz with shopping.
Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan and Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao greeted Muslims.
"The holy Ramzan is a reminder to us about the purpose of life as ordained by God and that only through rigorous self-discipline it is possible to realize the life eternal," said the Governor.
"Eid-ul-Fitr marks the culmination of the period of fasting and prayer during the holy month of Ramzan and infuses the spirit of fraternity, brotherhood and harmony," the Chief Minister said.
