"Festival that reminds humanity of noble values": Tamil Nadu CM Vijay extends greetings on Eid Al-Adha
Chennai, May 27
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay on Wednesday extended greetings on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha, hailing it as a reminder of "humanity of noble values".
In a message shared on 'X', Vijay said, "On the occasion of Bakrid, the festival of sacrifice, I extend my heartfelt and loving greetings to all my Islamic brothers and sisters."
"Bakrid stands as a holy festival that reminds humanity of noble values such as faith in God, sacrifice, compassion, sharing, and humanitarianism," he said highlighting the sifnificance of the festival.
He urged that joy should be shared with poor and simple people on this day, asserting that, "love and equality should prevail in society" further expressing his wish that "humanitarianism and communal harmony may flourish even more in the society."
The spirit of Eid Al-Adha (Bakrid) resonated across India on Wednesday as devotees gathered in large numbers to offer prayers and mark the festival of sacrifice in Tamil Nadu along with several other states.
The occasion was observed with devotion, unity and religious fervour as people came together to perform collective prayers in open grounds and designated prayer spaces.
In Tamil Nadu, devotees assembled at the Madurai Thamukkam Ground to observe the occasion and offer prayers in large congregations. The atmosphere at the venue reflected a festive spirit as worshippers participated in the Eid prayers with devotion and discipline.
In another significant gathering, Jamiyyathu Ahlil Quran Val Hadees also organised special Bakrid prayers at Aysha Mahal near Kuniamuthur Kalavai area in Coimbatore. Devotees from nearby localities participated in the prayers, marking the festival with religious observance and communal harmony.
The variation in celebration dates, with states such as Tamil Nadu and Jammu and Kashmir marking the festival a day earlier than other parts of the country, is attributed to localised moon-sighting practices as well as geographical differences. These variations are a part of traditional Islamic calendar observances followed across different regions.
Eid Al-Adha or Bakra Eid, which is being observed on May 28 this year, is a significant Islamic festival also referred to as the 'festival of sacrifice'. It is observed on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and marks the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.
The date of the festival changes every year as it follows the lunar calendar, which is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. This results in Eid moving earlier each year in the Western calendar cycle.
The festival is widely regarded as a time of joy, reflection and compassion, where people strengthen social bonds, forgive past grievances and engage in acts of charity and goodwill. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Abraham to sacrifice in obedience to God, symbolising faith and devotion.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Beautiful message from the CM. Bakrid truly teaches us sacrifice and compassion. In these divisive times, such messages of harmony are much needed. Hope we all remember the essence of sharing with the poor as he mentioned.
Why are our politicians always making such statements? People celebrate festivals, government should focus on development and infrastructure instead of photo ops and messages. Tell me one thing this government did for the poor this Ramzan.
As an American who follows Indian news, I admire the way leaders here respect each other's festivals. In many countries, such gestures are rare. Truly heartwarming to see this inclusivity.
Good to see the CM respecting all communities. But I wish the state also focused on ensuring proper facilities for Eid prayers in all districts. The one in Madurai looked crowded. Still, happy Eid to everyone! ✨
Eid Mubarak to all! Love how our diverse state celebrates together. From Pongal to Bakrid, Tamil Nadu shows the way for the whole country. However, we need more such gestures beyond just messages - real action for communal harmony matters more.
Interesting to see the moon-sighting differences between states. In Canada, we just follow Saudi dates. But India's regional variations make sense given the geography.
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