Bhubaneswar: Eid-ul-Adha was celebrated in various cities of the state on Thursday. Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and a host of political leaders extended greetings to the people on the occasion.
In Rourkela, thousands of the members of the Muslim community gathered and offered Namaz at the Eidgah ground. The Superintendent of Police of Rourkela was present at the location to ensure law & order and discipline during the celebration.
In Cuttack, people congregated in various Masjids to offer prayers and greet one another. The Asr (late afternoon) mass Namaz was offered at the Cuttack Eidgah ground. Thousands gathered donning festive clothes.
The celebration in Bhadrak was observed in 33 Masjids of the Bhadrak district including Bhadrak city.
According to sources, the celebration went off peacefully amidst tight security arrangements at all the locations and no untoward incident was reported.
Eid-ul-Adha also known as Id-ul-Azha, Id-ul-Zuha, Hari Raya Haji or Bakr-id is celebrated as the ‘Feast of Sacrifice’. It is one of the two biggest celebrations for Muslims. It is celebrated on the 10th day of the 12th month as per the Islamic calendar. The once-a-year celebration involves offering Namaz and ‘qurbaani’ or the sacrifice of an animal. The festival is a symbol of sacrifice, charity and victory of good over evil. As per the Holy Quoran-e-Shariff, Eid al-Adha concludes the pilgrimage to Mecca. Eid al-Adha lasts for three days and commemorates Ibrahim’s (Abraham) willingness to obey God by sacrificing his son, Ismail.
