Festive fervour grips city on Eid; qazi calls for tolerance, peace

Mangaluru: Prayers, get-togethers and lip-smacking delicacies marked the end of the holy month of Ramzan on Wednesday. Even the heavy downpour could not dampen the festive spirit among the Mangalureans.
Thousands of Muslims gathered at the famous Idgah Mosque at Light House Hill and greeted each other. The community celebrated Eid by offering prayers and paying a visit to the houses of their loved ones.
Dakshina Kannada district qazi Twaqa Ahmed Musliyar led the namaz and the prayer meet at Idgah Juma Masjid. In his address to the community, the qazi asked them to work towards global peace, unity and harmony.
Mentioning the recent terror attacks across the globe, he pointed out that Islam does not propagate such activities and does not encourage killing of people. He also asked the Muslim youth to give up drugs and keep away from substance abuse.
Special prayers were offered at various mosques in the city including the Kankanady Juma Masjid, Taqwa Masjid, Pumpwell, Kudroli Juma Masjid, Noor Masjid, Hampankatta, Katchi Masjid, Bunder, Bikkarnakatte Masjid, etc. Separate arrangements were made for women to offer namaz on the occasion .
Later, the devouts celebrated the day with family and friends and savoured on special delicacies and sweets.
Security was beefed up across the district ahead of the celebrations.
Celebrations in Bhatkal:
Maulana Abdul Aleem Khateeb Nadvi led the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer at Jamia Masjid, Bhatkal. Maulana stressed on the need to teach children about the history of Islam and to educate them about good and bad habits.
More than 50 types of breakfast were served soon after the prayers at the residence of Abdul Rahman Jan, Jamatul Muslimeen general secretary. Bhatkal assistant commissioner Chidanand Vatare, Bhatkal tahsildar V N Baadkar among many other officers and media people attended the function.