Muslims celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr on Saturday after a month of fasting and devotion to God during the holy month of Ramzan. This occasion is celebrated by offering prayers at mosques and Eidgahs, and families coming together to greet each other. According to religious belief, Eid-ul-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, an Islamic month, and the day of the occasion varies according to the Islamic calendar based on the observation of the crescent moon.
Thousands of devout Muslims dressed in their fineries gathered at major Eidgahs, including Eidgah Mir Alam, which had over 2 lakh people attending the prayers. Hockey Ground at Masab Tank, Qutb Shahi Eidgah, Madannapet Eidgah, Mecca Masjid, Shahi Masjid, Eidgah Balamrai Secunderabad among other places in the city and state also witnessed huge crowds. After the prayers, family get-togethers and Eid milap parties were held where people indulged in traditional feasts and delicacies Sheerkhurma. A traditional greeting during this celebration is Eid Mubarak, which means ‘Have a blessed Eid’.
Muslims celebrated the spirit of togetherness with feasts and amidst much fanfare in their homes. The kids wait for the festival to receive Eidi (gifts) from their elders. “Kids expectantly wait for Eid every year only for this. All through the day they make rounds of the relatives, and return home with their hands full,” said Tariq Omer, a resident of Tolichowki. Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy and AIMIM president Asadduddin Owaisi conveyed greetings to the Muslim community.
Elaborate arrangements were made by the Telangana State Wakf Board and other government departments at several places. The Ulema (clerics) in their sermons highlighted the significance of Eid, which sends the message of peace, brotherhood, humanity, and love. “Eid brings with it a very satisfying feeling. After a month of fasting and prayers, it is the time when we get to celebrate with our family and close ones,” said Abdul Rahman, a resident of Old City.
