By Violet Pereira, Team Mangalorean

Mangalore : Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, was celebrated with religious fervour and traditional gaiety in this coastal city here on August 19. 

The celebrations began early in the morning with thousands of Muslims gathering at mosques including one of the famous landmarks of the city, Idgah Masjid at the light house hill road where Chief clergy Haji Abdul Sahib gave the message.

Thousands of Muslim brethren arrived at the mosque to offer prayer. The road leading to the Eidgah grounds from light House hill side and from the Ambedkar circle side were blocked for traffic to facilitate the Namaz. The Namaz was held from 8 a.m.

Muslim brethren celebrated Eid ul Fitr morning at the Idgah Masjid.  Speaking to mangalorean.com Ahmed Bava , coordinator and former treasurer of Canara Chamber of Commerce and Industry said, "Today we are celebrating Eid- ul- Fitr marking the completion of 30 days of fasting and prayers and today we are asking Allah to give the fruit of our prayers and sacrifices.  Today the entire Muslim community is living with unity, peace solidarity and brotherhood. We pray to Allah to give us strength of heart to work for the betterment of the country."

According to a conservative estimate about 3000 Muslim brothers offered Namaz at the Light House hill darga while equal numbers have also offered prayers at the Jama Masjid of Bundar and the historic mosque at Kudroli.

Various Hindu and Christian leaders have also offered felicitations to the Muslim fraternity in different letters sent to the Mosque committees and to the Wakf Commiitee chairman of the district.