Muslims in Kerala celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr

The faithful thronged mosques and Idgahs in the morning to offer prayers and listen to sermons by religious scholars who called upon the devout to re-dedicate themselves to the lofty tenets of Islam like love, compassion, social harmony and fraternity.

The 'khazis' in different parts of the state had last night declared sighting of the moon ushering in the Islamic month of Sawal.

The prayers were followed by sumptuous feasts at homes and visits from relatives and friends and exchange of gifts.

Muslim charitable organisations held functions across the state for distribution of new clothes and gifts to the under privileged.

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan, Union Minister and IUML all-India president E Ahamed and leaders of various political parties greeted people on the occasion.

In his Eid message, IUML supremo Panakkad Hyderali Shihab Thngal reminded the faithful that it was important to conserve the spiritual strength derived from the Ramadan fasting all through their lives.