GUWAHATI, July 7 - Marking the culmination of the month-long Ramazan fasting, Idd-ul-Fitr was celebrated across the State with the rest of the country today. People belonging to Islamic faith offered the Idd prayers in idgahs and masjids and exchanged greetings on the occasion.
Heavy showers in the morning, however, interrupted the morning prayers at many places in Guwahati, as the collective namaaz could not be offered in open fields. At many places, the devotees offered morning prayers in several batches, inside the mosques.
�Because of rains, some mosques had to conduct namaaz twice due to the lack of space. It caused a little inconvenience to the devotees,� said Maulana Fakharuddin Ahmed Kasmi Sadr-e-Kazi, Kamrup Metro.
Extending Idd greetings to the people of Assam, he said that the festival would strengthen the mutual bond among the people, irrespective of their caste, creed or religion. �May the festival bring everlasting peace and prosperity in the State. Our State has been an example of mutual harmony between Hindus and Muslims and also among the people of other faiths. People of all the faiths take part in iftars and Idd feasts,� said Maulana Kasmi, who is also the president of Hilal Committee.
Thousands of devout Muslims congregated in the idgah fields of Machhkhowa, Islampur, Jalukbari, Garigaon, Hatigaon and Sixmile-Panjabari, Burha Jame Masjid (Ambari) and other mosques to offer the morning mass prayers.
Despite the morning showers spoiling the decorations at many places, the city had its fair share of festivities. People hugged each other exchanging greetings and praying for peace and prosperity.
Offering help to the poor and needy, known as Zakat, is an integral part of the festival, as a part of which, people made liberal donations outside the mosques and to other poor people. Children, clad in their best, also took part in the festivities. This was followed by community feasts and celebrations.
