New Delhi/Kolkata, Oct 27 (IBNS):While the Hindus are set to rest after celebrating Dussera and Bijaya Dashami, the Muslim Community across the globe as well as in India geared up to celebrate Eid-ul-Zuha on Saturday.
This festival is popularly referred to as the 'Festival of Sacrifice' where goats and sheep are sacrificed as an offering and hence is also known as Eid al-Adha and Bakra Eid (Eid of the goat).
Muslims follows the willingness of Abraham (Ibrahim) to sacrifice his son Ishmael (Ismail) as an act of obedience to God, before God intervened into the situation and provided him with a sheep to sacrifice instead of his son.
Bakri Eid is one of the most important festivals of the Muslims when they visit their friends and families to greet each other and exchange savouries and gifts.
Celebrating the day, India, with large number of Muslims, stood witness to the occasion right from Kashmir in the north where thousands of devotees went to Eidgah, Jamia Mosque in Srinagar and Hazratbal shrine on the banks of Dal Lake to offer their prayers.
Eid was celebrated in Lucknow and other parts of Uttar Pradesh; the biggest congregation was at Aishbagh Eidgah and Aasifi Masjid in old Lucknow.
Kolkata did not lag behind with the Muslim community turning up in huge numbers at various mosques, including Nakhoda Masjid and Tipu Sultan mosque.
They offered their namaz in large numbers at the Red Road in Kolkata.
The famous Jama Masjid in New Delhi noted significant amount of footfall during the namaz time.
President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice President Hamid Ansari on Friday greeted fellow citizens on the occasion of Idu’l Zuha.
In his message, Mukherjee said, “On the auspicious occasion of Idu’l Zuha, I extend my greetings and best wishes to all my fellow citizens, especially to my Muslim brothers and sisters."
"The festival of Idu’l Zuha epitomizes the noble values of sacrifice, trust and forgiveness. Let us today remind ourselves of the spirit of sacrifice in the cause of goodness that alone can lead to peace and harmony. May this unique festival inspire us to sacrifice our selfish interests in the larger interest of the country as a whole,” he said.
Ansari also extended his greetings and best wishes to all the citizens.
In his message, he said: “I extend my greetings and best wishes to all the citizens of our country on the auspicious occasion of Id-ul-Zuha. The celebration of this festival reminds us of the cherished human values of compassion, sharing and sacrifice."
"On this joyous occasion, let us all firmly resolve to build a peaceful, harmonious, fraternal and progressive society,” said Ansari.
US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama greeted the Muslims in America on the occasion.
"Michelle and I extend our best wishes for a joyful Eid al-Adha to Muslims in the United States and around the world. We also congratulate the millions of peaceful pilgrims who are performing the Hajj, including thousands of American Muslims," Obama said in a statement on Friday.
"Throughout the year, Muslims join members of many faiths in serving those suffering from hunger, disease, and conflict. Muslim communities will continue this practice as they celebrate Eid by distributing food and charity to those in need," he said.
"Such acts of compassion underscore the shared values of the Abrahamic religions and people of all faiths. On behalf of the American people, we extend our warmest greetings on this holiday. Eid Mubarak," Obama said.
Eminent personalities from different sections of society also wished India on the occasion.
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: "Eid Mubarak! May the festival bring further happiness and prosperity."
Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan tweeted: " Happy EiD to all brothers and sisters .. may there always be happiness and goodwill about you."
Actor Arshad Warsi said: "Mary had a little lamb and now she doesn't ...... Eid Mubarak."
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur wished his fans and said: "Eid Mubarak 2 all. Its a time for embracing those u love n those u may have forgotten u love since d last Eid."
Actress Lara Dutta Bhupathi tweeted: "Eid Mubarak! Wishing everyone a joyous festival season!"
