India celebrates Eid with fervor, gaiety; Prez, PM greet people

New Delhi, July 18: Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the culmination of the fasting month of Ramzan is being celebrated across the country on Saturday with fervor, gaitey. People are offering prayers and exchanging gift with friends on this occasion. Twitterti are also celebrating the festival as Eid mubarak hastag trends since early morning.

Earlier, Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid Syed Ahmed Bukhari announced that the festival will be celebrated all over the country on Saturday as moon was sighted in Hyderabad, Bihar, Manipur, Karnataka, Assam and Tamil Nadu.

Ramzan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is observed as a fasting period by Muslims who abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunset and it culminates in Eid celebrations.

President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have extended their Eid wishes to the people.

"On the joyous occasion of Idu'l Fitr, I convey warm greetings and good wishes to my fellow citizens, particularly to all Muslim brothers and sisters... Let us on this day forgive and forget our difference," Mukherjee said.

"The holy month of Ramzan is coming to an end. People are waiting for Eid. The country and the world will celebrate Eid.

I extend hearty greetings on this occasion," Modi said. In his message, Ansari said, "May the noble ideals that mark Id-ul-Fitr enrich our lives with peace, prosperity and harmony and unite us all in the spirit of humanity."

OneIndia news

(with inputs from PTI)