NEW DELHI, (PNA/IRNA) — Eid-ul-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice), the second major festival of Muslims, was celebrated Wednesday across India with religious fervor.
Hundreds of thousands of Muslims, attired in their best, thronged mosques, Eidgahs to offer special eid prayers, across the country.
Prayer leaders (Clerics) while delivering sermons, on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, asked the faithful to follow principles of love, compassion as preached by Islam. The clerics also prayed that this festival spread peace and harmony and bring prosperity to all.
After the prayers, the faithful, then sacrificed animals to commemorate Prophet Ibrahims willingness to sacrifice his only son, Ishmael, as an act of obedience to Allah.
Thousands of sheep and goats were sacrificed as people distributed the meat among neighbors, relatives and needy on the auspicious occasion.
The young and old alike, attired in their best festival outfits, hugged each other wishing Eid Mubarak.
In Delhi, the biggest congregation was held at the historical Jama Masjid, Fatehpuri Masjid, Masjid Shi’aan, led by Maulana Ahmed Bukhari, Maulana Mufti Mukarram and Syed Mohsin Taqavi, respectively.
Addressing the worshipers, the clerics said that the festival celebrates the spirit of sacrifice. On this auspicious occasion we should reaffirm out commitment to work for the welfare of those who are less privileged.
Muslims exchanged greetings and gifts with relatives and friends. Special delicacies and dishes were prepared on the occasion.
Meanwhile, on the eve of Eid-ul-Adha President, Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President, Mohd Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh greeted countrymen on the occasion.
They said the festival celebrates the treasured ideals of compassion, sharing and sacrifice.
With security forces keeping a hawk-eye vigil, the festivities along with the congregational prayers passed off peacefully across the country.
Eid-ul-Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah.
Muslims rededicated themselves to Islamic tenets of love and piety to mark the Festival.