Bangalore, August 20: Hundreds of thousands of Muslims Monday celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr across Karnataka with gaiety and religious fervour amid tight security in Bangalore and other cities.
"Eid is being celebrated across the city peacefully. No reports of any untoward incidents. The situation is normal across the state. We are on vigil and have stationed our personnel in sensitive areas," state director-general of police Lalrokhuma Pachau told media here.
In Bangalore, hundreds of Muslims, including women and children, offered prayers in Masjids. Scores of police personnel were posted outside the Eidgah grounds at Chamarajpet, Shivajinagar and near the cantonment station in the city centre.
About 20,000 policemen were deployed across the city after 30,000 northeast people left for Guwahati by special trains from Aug 15-17 following rumours of attacks on them.
State governor H.R. Bhardwaj and Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar greeted Muslims on Eid. Members of other communities exchanged greetings with Muslims.
In Hassan, Muslims offered Eid prayers at Eidgah Maidans at Hunasinakere and Hosaline roads.
In Chamarajanagar, Muslims offered prayers at the Alhadish Eidgah maidan at Somwarpet in the district headquarters. Moulana Nazeem Alikhan, Umar Farook, Rafeek Mohammad and others offered prayers amidst high security. In Mandya, prayers were offered at the Eidgah Maidan near Holalu circle.
In Mysore, Sir Khazi Hazrath Moulana Mohammed Usman Shariff addressing the assemblage, opined that communal harmony is our country’s strength. Islam encompasses love, affection, compassion and peace. “We have gathered here to offer gratitude to almighty after 30 days of fast.”
Emphasizing importance of fasting of Muslims during the month of Ramadan, he said, community would not involve in any sort of committing mistakes, lying and betrayal. He called upon the gathering to continue the same after the end of fasting season and aid the needy.
He requested Islam community to spread the message of communal harmony to the world and live their entire life in accordance to Allah’s wish. “Participate in festivals of other religions and never forget to involve them in yours.”
Commenting on the havoc created elsewhere in the country, he said that no one would be keen in desiring such miseries, which has been created anonymously.
Funds for Victims of Assam was collected after the sermon. A two minute prayer was dedicated for peace at Assam and integrity of the country.
In coastal districts of Karnataka Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated on Sunday.
Related: Coastal Karnataka, Kerala celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with fervour
