President Mukherjee wishes nation on Eid-ul-Fitr

President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday greeted fellow citizens on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

In his message to the people, Mukherjee said, "On the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, I extend warm greetings and good wishes to all fellow citizens, particularly to my Muslim brothers and sisters in India and abroad."

"As we celebrate this day which marks the end of the holy month of Ramzan, I hope that the festival with its tradition of giving and sharing enriches our lives with a spirit of brotherhood and empathy for the deprived," he added.

He further said, "May Eid-ul-Fitr reinforce the nation's commitment to mutual harmony and radiate the message of India's composite culture to the whole world."

The festival of Eid-ul-Fitr is being celebrated across the country today, with prayers being offered at various historical mosques like the Jama Masjid.

Eid-ul-fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramdan. Ramadan is the ninth of 12 months in the Islamic calendar. The month honours the Angel Gabriel's revelation of the Koran, the holy scripture of Islam, to the Prophet Mohammed at a meditation retreat in a cave about 1,400 years ago.

Fasting, charity, daily prayers, the declaration of faith and pilgrimage to Mecca are the five pillars of Islam.

During Ramadan, Muslims offer special prayers called Taraweeh at the end of their usual five- times prayers.

Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days and culminates in the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations. Tens of millions across the Muslim world make every effort to be more spiritual.

Muslims abstain from food, drink and other pleasures from sunrise to sunset.