Eid al-Adha celebrated in India with traditional fervor

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) was celebrated across India on Monday with traditional fervour and gaiety.

Thousands of faithful flocked to mosques to offer special Eid prayers at various mosques hugged each other as an expression of brotherhood.

In Delhi, large gatherings were witnessed for Eid prayers at historical Jama Masjid, Fatehpuri Masjid, Masjid Shiyan at Kashmiri Gate and Eidgah.

People, dressed in their festive best, visited the houses of their friends and relatives and offered gifts.

Special delicacies were prepared and served among family and friends on the occasion.

Prayer leaders in their sermons asked the faithful to follow principles of love, compassion and kindness as preached by Islam.

Later-on thousands of sheep and goats were sacrificed to mark the Festival of Sacrifice which commemorates the willingness of Holy Prophet Ibrahim (PPBUH) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.

People distributed the meat among neighbours, relatives and needy on the pious occasion.

With security forces keeping a tight vigil, the festivities passed off peacefully, except Kashmir Valley where pitched battles between youths and police left 17 injured.

Meanwhile, President Pratibha Patil, Vice-President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have greeted the nation on the occasion hoping the festival would usher in harmony, peace and happiness in the country.

Eid al-Adha 'feast of sacrifice' is an important festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide to commemorate the willingness of Holy Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) to sacrifice his son Isma'il as an act of obedience to God, before God intervened to provide him with a sheep— to sacrifice instead.

Eid al-Adha is celebrated annually on the 10th day of the 12th and the last Islamic month.

On this day Muslims sacrifice a goat or sheep or camel to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, who willingly agreed to kill his son at the behest of God.

This festival coincides with the Haj pilgrimage in Mecca.

It might appear quite barbaric to many as the sacrificing act takes lives of umpteen animals. But these sacrifices also serve the cause of conservation and keep the animal population in check.

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