Thaindian News

Lucknow, Nov 7 (IANS) Eid-ul-Zuha, also known as Bakrid, was celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety amidst heavy security arrangements in Uttar Pradesh’s capital Monday.

Muslims thronged mosques and prayer grounds to offer prayers. At some places, the crowds spilled on to roads near mosques.

The biggest congregation was held at the Aishbagh Eidgah and the Aasifi Masjid - both in the old Lucknow city.

After the prayers, devotees embraced each other and sacrificed animals, particularly goats, and later distributed their meat among family members and the poor.

“Eid-ul-Zuha gives us the message that we should always be ready for sacrifice… whether the sacrifice is of money or even our lives,” said Assad Ahmad, a native of Qaiserbagh neighbourhood.

“I prayed for the well being of my family and all those who have gone for the annual Haj pilgrimage,” he added.

Iqbal Ansari, a resident of Aminabad neighbourhood, said: “It (Eid-ul-Zuha) reminds us of our duties and responsibilities towards humanity for serving the almighty… It gives us the lesson that we should always be ready to sacrifice material interests when they come in the way of our principles.”

Dressed in colourful clothes, Muslims were seen visiting their friends’ and relatives’ houses for exchanging gifts and greetings.