The nation celebrates Eid -ul-Azha

Muslim devotees across the nation offered Munajat (supplication for repentance of sins and or connotation of conveying reverence to a sanctified person), sought the blessings of the divine for peace, progress and prosperity on the occasion of Eid -ul-Azha.

Nation celebrates Eid -ul-Azha

Thousands of Muslims thronged various mosques in the nation, including the renowed Jama Masjid and Fatehpuri Masjid in the capital, to offer prayers and greeted 'Eid Mubarak' by hugging each other.

Eid-ul-Azha, also known as Bakr-Id, is celebrated by Muslims across the world as the festival of sacrifice, approximately 70 days after the end of the month of Ramadan, which is celebrated as Eid-ul-Fitr.

After the prayers, animals are sacrificed to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his only son, Ishmael, as an act of obedience to Allah.

The faithfuls dressed in traditional fineries, visited homes of their friends and relatives and exchanged gifts. On this occasion, Muslims from all walks of life wear new clothes and attend open-air prayer meetings.

Greeting the nation, President Pranab Mukherjee said, Eid-ul-Azha symbolizes sacrifice, faith and devotion. He hoped that festival will imbibe the spirit of universal love, brotherhood, sacrifice and service which constitute eternal values upheld by the country's composite culture and work unitedly for peace, progress and prosperity of the nation and the world.

Vice President Hamid Ansari said, the festival symbolizes the spirit of supreme sacrifice and promotes peace, love and compassion in the society. He hoped that the festival will strengthen unity and fraternity among people.

In his message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoped that Eid-ul-Azha festival will strengthen the spirit of harmony and compassion in society.

The occasion of Eid -ul-Azha, also saw a Congress candidate present roses to police men during his election campaign in Thane, Mumbai

However, in the view of the devastating floods in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that he would observe festival without any gaiety and joy.