Eid celebrated with feasts and prayers in capital

New Delhi,Oct 2 (IANS) Thousands of Muslims gathered at the historic Jama Masjid and other mosques across the city Thursday to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr praying for peace and communal harmony in the backdrop of the recent bomb blasts that rocked the capital.

The largest prayer congregation was held in Jama Masjid in the old city as elderly people and children dressed in new clothes exchanged pleasantries and gifts to mark the occasion.

Putting on their new clothes, friends and relatives greeted each other while others savoured the traditional and delicious sweet dish called sewain, made of vermicelli.

Meaning happiness or feast in Arabic, Eid is one of the most important dates on the Muslim calendar. Ramadan, which ended Thursday, marks the month during which the Koran was revealed to prophet Mohammed.

Children wearing new clothes showed off their 'eidi' (money elders give to the young as a token of love on Eid) and flooded the streets in Old Delhi, adding colour and fervour to the solemnity of the occasion.

'I will pay a visit to my friends' place and wish them on the occasion. Later in the evening we have planned for a big family gathering,' Shakeel Khan, a bank employee said.

Police and civil administration had made special security arrangements at various places where prayers were offered.

'We have made adequate security arrangements for the day to avoid any mishap," said a senior police officer

The recent bomb blasts in the capital and shootout at Jamia Nagar in south Delhi failed to dampen the festive spirit of the people in the capital. Muslims came out in large numbers and participated in the mass prayers.

'We prayed to Allah for peace and brotherhood in the country. May there be love and peace in the country,' said Pervez Alam, a BPO employee.