NEW DELHI, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Muslims in India on Monday celebrated the festival of Eid-al-Fitr with religious fervor and gaiety.

Eid-al-Fitr marks the end of the Muslim holy month of fasting (Ramadan) and the beginning of the new month in the lunar calendar.

Muslims in the capital city of New Delhi gathered in prayer grounds and mosques in the morning and offered Eid-al-Fitr prayers. People dressed in new clothes were seen hugging each other and exchanging Eid greetings during the gatherings.

Reports of similar congregational prayers were poured in from most Indian cities, including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Agra, Bhopal and Thiruvananthapuram.

Ahead of the festival, shoppers thronged markets and purchased clothes and foodstuffs like bakery, sweets and confectionery.

Women prepare special food and delicacies for the day. Special delicacies and dishes are also available at restaurants and in markets for the day.

Muslims wear new clothes on Eid and greet their friends and families. Pocket money and gifts are given out to children to celebrate the festival. Money is also distributed among the poor and needy.

Eid-al-Fitr is an official holiday in India. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)