Eid-ul-Fitr celebrated across India with prayers for peace, brotherhood

NEW DELHI/FIROZABAD: The holy fasting month of Ramazan came to an end on Friday, with Muslims celebrating the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr across the country. Mass prayers were held at mosques, and were followed by a warm exchange of greetings and embrace, and at the same time an expression of spreading messages of love and unity. At New Delhi's Jama Masjid, thousands of devotees gathered to offer their prayers. Politicians and celebrities, besides people from other walks of life, wished the nation on the occasion of festival. Union minister of health and family welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain offered their prayers and wished everyone a very happy Eid. "We pray to Allah that our country should remain prosperous and all religion should happily celebrate with each other. On this joyous occasion, I would like to wish all my brothers and sister a very happy Eid," Ghulam Nabi Azad said. Shahnawaz Hussain said: "This is a day to forget all grievances and to celebrate. I would like to wish the entire nation a very happy Eid." Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wished everyone a very happy Eid and said: "May this festival bring peace, prosperity and happiness." Vice President Hamid Ansari had in a message issued on Thursday said the celebration of the festival with both gaiety and piety reinforces the timeless message of universal brotherhood, love and compassion. Interacting with media in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, Congress leader Raj Babbar described the festival as an event of promoting love and compassion among humans, and hoped the Almighty would bless everyone and bring happiness in their lives. Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi wrote on his Twitter page: "Eid Mubarak! May everyone in the country be blessed with happiness, peace, prosperity and good health." Social activist and former senior IPS officer Kiran Bedi tweeted: "Very happy EID! May this be one of celebration and resolve to take the country forward. Respect all progressive forces which stood by Durga's courage." She was making a reference to all those who were supporting suspended Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Durga Shakti Nagpal. It maybe recalled that Nagpal has been under suspension since July 25 for taking on the sand mafia in Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddh Nagar District.   ANI