Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi

Mangaluru/Udupi, May 28: Muslims across the coastal districts celebrated Eid-ul-Azha (Bakrid) with great devotion, joy, and a spirit of brotherhood and harmony on Thursday, May 28.

Dressed in new festive attire, the Muslim brethren gathered early in the morning at the famous Idgah Maidan on Light House Hill in Mangaluru, as well as at various other mosques across the region, to offer special Eid namaz. Soon after the prayers, people exchanged greetings of ‘Eid Mubarak’ by embracing one another and shaking hands. Throughout the day, families and friends visited each other's homes to share pleasantries and mutual affection.

Special prayers across Udupi district

In the Udupi district, special Eid prayers were held at the famous Gangolli Eidgah and across mosques in Udupi city, Kaup, Brahmavar, Kundapur, Byndoor, Hebri, and Karkala taluks. Several mosques ensured separate seating arrangements for women worshippers to participate in the prayers.

At the Udupi Jamia Masjid, the Eid prayers were led by Maulana Abdur Rasheed Nadvi, while Maulana Inayathullah Razvi led the congregation at the Udupi Anjuman Masjid. At the Moolur Juma Masjid, the central mosque of the Udupi District Joint Jamaat, Khateeb Hafiz Muhammed Ashraf Sakhafi conducted the special prayers and delivered the Khutba. Coastal Development Board chairman M A Gafoor also participated in the prayers.

In Kundapur, an Eid procession began from the Kundapur Juma Masjid and proceeded to the Eidgah grounds, where the congregation was held.

Messages of harmony and caution

Following the namaz, religious leaders delivered significant Eid messages to the devotees, stressing the absolute importance of maintaining peace and communal harmony in society.

Leading the prayers at the Hashimi Masjid in Brahmagiri Nayarkere, Imam Obaidur Rahman Nadvi emphasized that festivals must symbolize unity, urging the community to celebrate in an exemplary manner. He specifically appealed to parents to closely monitor their children, warning against the dangers of drug addiction and the reckless driving of two-wheelers and cars without helmets or valid licenses.

Mosque president Zakriya Assadi and secretary M Iqbal Manna also extended their heartfelt Eid greetings to the Muslim community on the occasion.

To ensure peaceful celebrations and prevent any untoward incidents, tight police security arrangements were maintained across both districts throughout the festival.