Kids greet each other after namaz in Bhubaneswar on Thursday. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 8: Devout Muslims, who fasted during the holy month of Ramazan, will celebrate Id-ul Fitr tomorrow. This announcement was made by the Chand Committee of Unit-IV mosque here today.

Imam of the mosque Md Ibrar, who made the announcement, said: “May all our prayers be accepted and we get many chances to redeem our faith. May Allah bless us all with peace and prosperity.”

The countries in West Asia observed the festival on Thursday, but community members in the state had a smile on their lips as the announcement was made. Lakhs of Muslims across the state will take part in the special prayers and the revelry that follow tomorrow.

“Id is very pious day for us and the first prayers are immensely significant,” said Syed Mujibur Rehman, former president, Unit-IV mosque.

“The special prayers hosted tomorrow morning will be attended by the devotees of all age groups. They will purify the soul that has gained control over the mind’s worldly demands through fasting during Ramazan,” he said.

Masjids were decorated and revellers made a beeline for shops and malls for some last-minute shopping.

“Id is a special festival when friends, relatives and neighbours gather to celebrate and wish each other. We wear new clothes and gift them to our relatives. So, shopping for clothes and accessories is an integral part of the festival,” said Izharul, a corporate employee.

Apart from the spiritual fervour, youngsters wait keenly for the festival, as they get a lot of Idis or gifts presented by elders. These could be anything that make them happy, but mostly it’s cash.

“I get a lot of cash from my aunts, uncles and grandparents. I am planning to buy a tablet with the money this time,” said 19-year-old college student Nazia Shamim.

Bhubaneswar will see prayers at mosques followed by lavish feasts of Mughlai delicacies.

Cuttack, which has a sizeable Muslim population, observes the festival in the traditional manner. “We host qawwali programmes and younger members play latest songs,” said Shanawaz Hussain, a resident of Buxi Bazaar in Cuttack.

“I wait for my friend Zareen’s special Id biryani and siwaiyyan,” said Manaswini Nayak, a 28-year-old teacher in Cuttack.