Bangalore, Aug 9 (IANS): Muslims across Karnataka Friday celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr with religious fervour and gaiety, marking the end of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.

As declared by state imam Maulana Khadeer Ahmed Ada-ul-Amri, after the moon was sighted late on a cloudy Thursday, thousands of devout Muslims congregated at Eidgahs and mosques in Bangalore, Belgaum, Gulbarga, Hubli, Mangalore, Mysore and other towns for Eid prayers amid tight security.

After the congregation, the devout, dressed in new clothes and wearing skull caps, greeted each other and exchanged gifts. Many of them also donated funds (fitra) to the poor and needy to celebrate the festival.

Later, they part took in a sumptuous feast and distributed alms to the needy, marking the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Hijra calendar (azli fazli).

People in the coastal areas of the state, however, celebrated Eid Thursday as they sighted the moon late Wednesday itself.

Governor H.R. Bhardwaj, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, former union minister C.K. Jaffer Sharief, former state minister Roshan Baig and prominent Muslim leaders and scholars greeted the people on the occasion.

In Bangalore, the largest gathering was at the Eidgah near the illuminated Masjid-e-Khadaria on Miller's road in the city centre.

Elaborate security arrangements were made to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incident.