Thaindian News

Mumbai, Aug 31 (IANS) Muslims in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra Wednesday celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of the month-long fasting period of Ramazan, by pledging to fight terrorism.

Qari Waqar Ahmed, the priest who led the Eid prayers at Chhota Masjid in south Mumbai, urged the congregation to unitedly fight the menace of terrorism which was confronting the nation.

Ahmed appealed to all Muslims to practice communal harmony and not be misled by calls for Jihad, which was being erroneously interpreted by certain elements.

Huge turnout was witnessed at Eid morning prayers at the historic Jama Masjid in south Mumbai, Mazgaon, Byculla, Bandra, Andheri, Jogeshwari, Kandivli, Borivli, Dahisar, Mira Road and Vasai, besides other Muslim-dominated pockets in different parts of the city.

While some mosques had erected special marquees to protect the faithful from the rains, at other places, more than one or two rounds of Eid prayers were led by the local priests to accommodate the huge rush.

Since Tuesday night, mosques, Muslim educational and social institutions were lit up with thousands of lights, flowers and festoons to mark the end of the 30-day fasting period of Ramazan.

In view of the rains lashing the city, the traditional open venue Azad Maidan and other stadiums, playgrounds or school campuses were discarded in favour of closed mosques and halls.

Soon after the Eid prayers, Muslims greeted their brethren, friends, family members, relatives and neighbours ‘Eid Mubarak’ and hugged each other warmly.

Later, it was time to savour the traditional Eid favourite, ‘Sheer-Korma’ a rich preparation of a mixture of dry fruits, vermicelli and milk.

Similar celebrations were held in other parts of the state like Bhiwandi, Mumbra, Malegaon, Nashik, Aurangabad, Raigad and Ratnagiri.

Tight security was in force in view of Eid, followed by the start of the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival from Thursday.