The Muslim community in Tamil Nadu and Kerala gathered in large numbers on Friday to offer special Eid prayers, usher in the festive spirit of Eid-ul-Fitr and end the holy month of Ramadan with prayers, reflections and community gatherings.
In Madurai, special Eid prayers organized by JAQH were held at Tamukkam Ground, creating a large gathering. Coimbatore also witnessed large gatherings with prayers conducted at Kuniamuthur’s Ayesha Mahal as residents gathered to celebrate the festival.
Kerala saw similar scenes, special prayers organized by Palayam Juma Masjid were held at the Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
In Kochi, devotees offered Eid prayers at the Kaloor Eidgah and joined communities in solemn observances.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, is one of the holiest times because it marks the revelation of the holy book, the Koran.
At the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr celebrates the breaking of the fast. Friends and families gather for a festive meal and exchange gifts. Special gifts are also given to the poor.
However, Eid is expected to be observed on March 20 in some parts of the world.
Meanwhile, Lucknow Eidgah Imam, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali, announced that the moon was not sighted on Thursday, which means that Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated in India on March 21.
Speaking to ANI, Maulana Rasheed Mahali said that the Eid al-Fitr Namaz at the Lucknow Eidgah will be followed by prayers for world peace.
“The month of Shawwal was not sighted today. Tomorrow will be celebrated on the 30th of Roza and Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on March 21. Eid al-Fitr Namaz will be offered at 10 am at the Lucknow Eidgah, after which special prayers for world peace will be held. On this occasion, I send greetings to the clerics,” said the Muslim cleric.
The All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association also said that the crescent moon was not sighted, ultimately leading to the celebration of Eid on March 21.
“Due to overcast and cloudy conditions in Kashmir, the crescent moon was not sighted and remained invisible. The All J&K Shia Association (AJKSA) Ruyat-e-Hilal Committee also did not receive any reliable evidence of moon sighting from Kashmir or any other part of India,” he said.
