Bengaluru, July 18 (IANS): Thousands of Muslims celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr with religious fervour and gaiety across Karnataka on Saturday, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Devout Muslims in their hundreds flocked to Idgah maidans and local mosques in cities and towns across the state and offered prayers, invoking the Almighty's grace and divine attention for peace and piety in the world.

Attired in new clothes and sporting skull caps, the faithful exchanged greetings while many of their children were seen hugging each other and making merry.

At the main Idgah in this city's southwestern suburb (Chamarajpet), Chief Minister Siddaramaiah joined hundreds of Muslims in praying and exchanging Eid greetings.

Scores of political, religious and cultural leaders, including Information Minister Roshan Baig, Congress leader Rizwan Ahmed and lawmaker N.A. Harris participated in the gathering at the main Idgah.

After the gathering, the devout exchanged gifts, while others donated money to the poor.

Undeterred by inclement weather and intermittent rain in many cities and towns across the state, people partook of sumptuous feasts and distributed alms to the needy.

Eid was also celebrated peacefully in Ballari, Belagavi, Bidar, Hubbali, Kalaburgi, Mangaluru, Mysuru, Raichur, Shivammoga and Vijapura in the state's coastal, central, southern and northern regions.

Governor Vajubhai Vala, Siddaramaiah and many political, religious and social leaders greeted the Muslim community, which accounts for around 18 percent of the state's 65 million population.

Police made elaborate security arrangements across the state to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incident during the festival day.