Muslims offer prayers on occasion of Eid al-Azha across India (pics)

Updated: Thursday, October 17, 2013, 10:59 [IST]

New Delhi, Oct 16: Muslims around the world are celebrating the festival of Eid al-Azha, also known as Bakri Eid, with special prayers, meals and charitable donations to the needy.

Eid al-Azha is one of two major religious feasts on the Islamic calendar. It comes about two months after Eid al-Fitr, when Muslims ended the holy fasting month of Ramadan with similar customs of prayer, feasting and charity.

On this day, many Muslims join early morning communal prayers dressed in their best clothes and greet family and friends with gifts and the salutation of 'Eid Mubarak'.

In many cities of India, People are flocking shopping for favourite sweets and fresh raw mutton, from toys to the latest in clothes, cosmetics, glass bangles and chappals. Eager Muslims are thronging every outlet that has anything to offer from the traditional to the modern.

Security has been beefed up in the areas of Andhra PRadesh and Jammu Kashmir on account of maintaining peace and avoiding communal clashes.

In Jaipur

Muslims offer Eid-ul-Zuha prayers at an Idgah on the outskirts of Jaipur on Wednesday.

In Delhi

Muslims offer Eid-ul-Zuha prayers at the Jama Masjid in New Delhi on Wednesday.

In New Delhi

Muslims offer Eid-ul-Zuha prayers at the Jama Masjid in New Delhi.

In Delhi

Muslims offer Eid-ul-Zuha prayers at the Feroz Shah Kotla mosque in New Delhi on Wednesday.

In New Delhi

Muslims offer Eid-ul-Zuha prayers at the Feroz Shah Kotla mosque in New Delhi.

In Delhi

Muslims offer Eid-ul-Zuha prayers at the Jama Masjid on Eid-ul-Adha.

In Srinagar

Kashmiri Muslims offer prayers on the occassion of Eid-ul-Zuha at Polo ground in Srinagar on Wednesday.

In Srinagar

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah offer Eid-ul-Zuha prayers with locals during the second biggest religious festival of Muslims at Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar on Wednesday.

In Srinagar

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah offer Eid-ul-Zuha prayers with locals during the second biggest religious festival of Muslims at Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar.