Chennai, May 28 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar and Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay extended Bakrid greetings to Muslims across Tamil Nadu and the country, highlighting the festival’s message of sacrifice, compassion, faith and communal harmony.

In his message, Governor Arlekar said Eid-ul-Adha symbolises the values of sacrifice, compassion and faith. He noted that the festival promotes sharing, unity and communal harmony, and wished people happiness, peace and prosperity.

Chief Minister Vijay said Bakrid commemorates the sacrifice and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim and reflects the values of faith, kindness, equality and humanity. He added that the festival reinforces the importance of love, religious harmony and mutual respect in society.

DMK President M.K. Stalin, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami and several other political leaders also conveyed Eid greetings.

Stalin said the festival represents the spirit of charity and helping the poor and needy. Extending his wishes to Muslims, he said the bond between the DMK and the Muslim community would continue forever.

Palaniswami said Bakrid imparts lessons on sacrifice, devotion and humanity, and urged people to uphold peace, brotherhood and social harmony.

Indian National League state president Nagore Raja also greeted Muslims and appealed for communal harmony, peace and unity.

Meanwhile, Muslims across Tamil Nadu celebrated Bakrid with prayers, charity and community gatherings. The festival, also known as Eid-ul-Adha, is one of the most important Islamic festivals after Ramadan and commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. Observed on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, Bakrid is marked by special prayers, charitable acts and the ritual sacrifice of animals, with meat distributed among relatives, neighbours and the poor.

From the early hours of Thursday, Muslims dressed in traditional attire gathered at mosques, stadiums and open prayer grounds across the state to offer special Eid prayers.

In Chennai, large-scale celebrations were held in areas, including Perambur, Otteri, Royapuram, Purasawalkam, Anna Nagar, Ice House, Washermanpet, Tondiarpet and Kodungaiyur. Thousands of worshippers attended prayers amid tight security and traffic arrangements, while children in colourful festive outfits added vibrancy to the celebrations. Community and religious leaders also appealed for peace, harmony and communal unity during the celebrations.

–IANS

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