[1]NEW DELHI : The nation is observing and celebrating the Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Azha with traditional gaiety and devotion across the country today.On this occasion, Muslims from all walks of life wear new clothes and attend an open-air prayer meetings. The faithfuls are offering Eid prayers in Eidgahs and mosques.
People in most parts of the country have begun to offer special Eid-ul-Azha prayers. They sacrifice a sheep or goat and share the meat with family members, neighbors and the poor.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted the nation on the occasion of Eid-ul-Zuha, wishing that the festival strengthens spirit of harmony and compassion in the society. “Best wishes on Eid-ul-Zuha,” Modi tweeted ahead of the Muslim festival.”May this festival strengthens the spirit of harmony and compassion in the society,” he said.
Eid-ul-Azha is celebrated to commemorate Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his only son Hazrat Ismaeel, to God. In Delhi, main congregations are being held at Jama Masjid, Shahi Fetehpuri Masjid and Eidgah. In Kerala, Eid-ul-Azha was celebrated yesterday.
In his message, President Pranab Mukherjee said, Eid-ul-Azha symbolizes sacrifice, faith and devotion. He hoped that festival will imbibe the spirit of universal love, brotherhood, sacrifice and service which constitute eternal values upheld by the country’s composite culture and work unitedly for peace, progress and prosperity of the nation and the world.
Vice President Hamid Ansari said, the festival symbolizes the spirit of supreme sacrifice and promotes peace, love and compassion in the society. He hoped that the festival will strengthen unity and fraternity among people.
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