Muslims in Coastal Karnataka celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with gaiety and fervour

Mangaluru, Jun 15: Hundreds of thousands of Muslims across Karnataka’s twin coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi on Friday celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr with traditional fervour and devotion.

Heavy rains and wind that lashed the coastal district for the past few days causing huge loss took a break on Friday to pave the way for Muslims to offer Eid prayers on Eidgahs.

Imams who led the Eid namaz in various Eidgahs and mosques turned emotional when they raised their hands seeking Allah’s help, guidance and forgiveness. They prayed for peace and progress in the region while urging the Muslims to establish good relationship with people of all faiths.

Minister for Urban Development and Housing U T Khader was among those who offered namaz at Eidgah Masjid in Light House Hill, one of the historic places in Mangaluru. Dakshina Kannada Khazi Twaqa Ahmed Musliyar led the Eid prayers and delivered the sermon. Despite overcast conditions, large number of devotees had gathered at the Eidgah masjid. Though it drizzled for a minute, the sun overpowered the rain soon.

In his customary sermon, the Khazi exhorted the Muslims to follow the taqwa in their lives. “We have fasted for a month to comply with the command of Almighty Allah. Let us also lead a pious life in the remaining 11 months of the year,” he said.

He exchanged Eid greetings with the devotees and called upon them to remember the lesser privileged people and needy during the festivities. “We have a social responsibility towards the poor and needy. As long as we attend to their problems, God’s blessings will continue to shower upon us,” he said.

Children dressed in festival attire added colour to the celebrations. People wished Eid Mubarak and hugged each other as a large number of shutterbugs tried to capture the poignant scenes of the festival prayers and greetings. Scores of volunteers from Zeeanth Bhaksh masjid helped the police in maintaining traffic and discipline.

Eid namaz was held at more than three dozen prominent mosques across the city. Taqwa Masjid in Pumpwell, Masjidunnoor in Hampankatta, Ihasan Masjid near Unity Hospital, Ibrahim Khaleel Masjid near State Bank, Jamia Masjid in Kudroli and Kachi Memon Masjid in Bunder were overcrowded with devotees. Several thousand devotees offered prayers at Central Juma Masjid in Ullal.