People offer Eid prayers in Bhubaneswar on Monday. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 20: A festive mood gripped the state today as Muslims celebrated Eid-ul-fitr by offering prayers and feasting.

Observing the end of the holy month of Ramzan and welcoming the month of Shawwal, people were seen embracing each other and wishing Eid Mubarak.

The day began with mass prayers in the mosques of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

The masjid in Unit-IV in the capital was packed as thousands of devotees chanted prayers, lifting and bowing their heads in synchronisation. The temporary markets outside the mosque selling palm dates, siwayya and other items saw a rush of buyers.

“Eid is a very special day for us. During the entire month of fasting we realise the value of all the blessings of Allah, including food and water. We also feel the pain of those who sleep hungry everyday. The fasting not only makes us spiritually stronger and patient but also healthier,” said Syed Izharul, a local resident.

Feasts were organised in various localities where people from all religions came together to celebrate the festivities. Even in Cuttack — house to some of the ancient mosques — the fervour of brotherhood was seen everywhere. People, irrespective of their religion, were seen praying at the Buxi Bazar Paltan Mosque, the Qadam Rasool in Dargha Bazar and others.

“The beauty of Cuttack lies in the strong feeling of brotherhood among people of all communities in the city. Eid is a special occasion for all of us. For Cuttack it is the beginning of grand festivals such as Ganesh puja and Dussehra when our Muslim brothers will showcase their brilliance in crafting the lavish backdrop of the deities. It is our pleasure to be a part of the Eid celebrations,” said Soumendra Ghosh, the mayor of the city who participated in the Eid celebrations with his Muslim friends.

Apart from greeting each other with gifts and sweet dishes, the revellers were seen donating money, clothes and food to the needy as a part of the zakat.

“Fitr and zakat are two important and obligatory traditions of charity, where the community donates food and clothing to the needy and poor. Eid is the best day to observe these traditions,” said Saba, a devotee. The feasts in the evening included a lavish spread of Mughlai cuisine such as chicken and mutton biryani, kebab, korma, halim and sweets like sewaiyya, kheer and lachha.

The joyous mood was also seen in Balasore, Rourkela, Berhampur and other regions of the state.