Odisha celebrates Eid-ul-Fitr

Muslims across Odisha celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr with fervour and gaiety on Thursday.

Hindus also joined in the celebrations in many parts of the state to mark the day with a show of harmony between communities.

Muslims offered namaaz (prayers) in a gesture of thanksgiving at the end of the month-long fasting during Ramadan at Eidgahs and mosques across the state. Hindu families visited the houses of their Muslim friends and greeted them on the occasion.

Large congregations of Muslims offering prayers were seen at Cuttack, Bhadrak, Balasore and Sambalpur towns.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik greeted the people on the occasion.

"Extend my warm greetings on Eid-ul-Fitr, the festival of unity, peace and brotherhood #EidMubarak," tweeted the Chief Minister.

Several ministers and leaders of opposition Congress and BJP also extended their greetings to the people.

"Wishing everyone joy, happiness and prosperity on the auspicious occasion of Id-ul-Fitr. May there be peace and harmony everywhere," tweeted senior BJP leader Dilip Ray.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

It is observed as a period of fasting by Muslims the world over.

--IANS

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