Festival of Sacrifice observed with fervour, gaiety

Srinagar/New Delhi, Nov 28 : Millions of Muslims from across the country today celebrated Eid-ul-Azha, the festival of sacrifice, with religious fervour and gaiety, commemorating the willingness of Prophet Abraham to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.

Prayers, exchange of sweets and hugs marked the celebrations of Eid-ul-Azha in Jammu and Kashmir. Many thronged Jamia Masjid and Idgah and offered prayers for peace and communal harmony.

Lakhs of animals were sacrificed in the Kashmir Valley to mark the day.

The main function was held at Hazratbal shrine, which houses the holy relic of the Prophet Mohmmad, on the banks of the Dal Lake. The devotees, however, complained about lack of adequate transport facilities.

Governor N N Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and leaders of different political parties and separatist organisations greeted the people on the occasion.

In Delhi, Fathepuri Masjid Shahi Imam Maulana Mufti Mukkaram Ahmed led the prayers and appealed to the Muslim brethren to follow the right path showed by the Prophet Mohammed and the 'sunnat' of Prophet Abraham and be ready to sacrifice everything for the sake of 'Allah'.

Elaborate security arrangement were put in place by the Uttar Pradesh Government on the day with additional security forces, including 10 companies of Rapid Action Force and 35 companies of PAC.

Governor B L Joshi, Chief Minister Mayawati and Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh Yadav conveyed their wishes to the people on the festival.

The festival was celebrated with religious fervour and enthusiasm in Madhya Pradesh with Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and various political party leaders conveying their wishes on the occasion.

--UNI