Bhubaneswar: Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated with devotion and festivity across Odisha on Saturday, as thousands of worshippers gathered at mosques and Idgahs to offer prayers marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
The day began with large congregations in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Berhampur and Balasore, where devotees dressed in traditional attire embraced one another after the Namaz (holy prayer), symbolising peace and brotherhood.
In Cuttack, the Chand Committee had confirmed the festival date after the crescent moon was not sighted on March 19, leading to the observance of Eid on March 21.
The Kadam-e-Rasul and other mosques in the city witnessed heavy turnout, while Commissionerate Police conducted a flag march in sensitive areas such as Sheikh Bazaar and Dewan Bazaar to ensure smooth and peaceful celebrations. Senior officers joined the march, reassuring residents of adequate security arrangements.
Markets across the state had seen brisk business in the days leading up to Eid. From Cuttack’s Choudhury Bazaar to Berhampur’s Annapurna Market, shoppers thronged stalls for garments, sweets, and festive items. Traders reported record footfall as families prepared for the celebrations.
Community kitchens and charitable drives added to the spirit of the festival. Volunteers distributed food and clothes to the underprivileged, while youth groups in Rourkela and Berhampur organised donation campaigns for vulnerable families.
Homes across Odisha prepared traditional delicacies such as biryani, sewaiyan and kebabs, with families visiting relatives to exchange gifts and greetings.
