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New Delhi:
Delhi was in a festive mood for Saturday's Eid-ul-Fitr
celebrations, with Muslims thronging the markets for their
favourite delicacies and gifts and preparations on for the Eid
congregations.
"Friday is the final day of fasting in Ramadan and Saturday will
be Eid," Syed Bukhari, Imam of the historic Jama Masjid in the
city announced Thursday.
Police and security personnel will be deployed at various prayer
grounds (Idgahs) around the city, a senior police official told
IANS. "Jama Masjid alone may see a deployment of around 500
policemen," he added.
People preparing for the Eid festivities also hoped that rains
would not disrupt their celebrations. Mohammed Amaan, 24, a
resident of Chandni Chowk, said: "Eid is one of the most important
days in a year. We've looked forward to it for a long time. We
just pray that the weather doesn't play spoilsport."
Shamianas or marquees have been set up around the city for
Saturday's prayers.
Food courts across Daryaganj, Sita Ram Bazaar, Okhla and other
parts of the city are preparing their best for Saturday. Eid
traditionally is best known for the mouth watering sweet dishes
like sevaiyan (vermicelli pudding).
Shabnum Akhtar, 56, a homemaker from Ballimaran, said her family
and neighbours look forward to the sevaiyan. "So we've started the
preparations today."
"We would generally prepare several items, but the high prices
this year are compelling us to have a moderate feast," she added.
In tune with the changing times, Eid is also being celebrated over
the internet. People have already started exchanging wishes over
the social networking websites.
"Eid greeting cards" has already become one of the most searched
phrase on the search engine Google in the past few days. On the
subject of Eid, India has already generated the eighth highest
number of queries in the world on Google.
"I started sending e-cards to my friends since last week," said
Aisha Bashir, a
college student.
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and other political leaders
have greeted the people on the occasion of Eid. "I wish all the
Delhiites, and hope the festival brings the message of peace and
harmony to everyone."
Leader of the opposition in the assembly V.K. Malhotra said Eid
highlighted the message of brotherhood and peace.
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