Chennai, May 28 (IANS) Muslims across Tamil Nadu celebrated Bakrid, one of the most important festivals in Islam, with prayers, charity, and community gatherings on Thursday. The festival, also known as Eid al-Adha, commemorates the sacrifice and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim, who was willing 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, acts of charity, and the ritual sacrifice of animals, with meat distributed among relatives, neighbours, and the poor.

From the early hours of Thursday, Muslims dressed in new traditional attire gathered at mosques, open grounds, and stadiums across the state to offer special Eid prayers. Men, women, and children participated in the celebrations and exchanged greetings after the prayers.

In Chennai, Bakrid celebrations were held with great enthusiasm in several parts of the city, including Perambur, Otteri, Royapuram, Purasawalkam, Anna Nagar, Ice House, Washermanpet, Tondiarpet, and Kodungaiyur.

Thousands of worshippers attended special prayers conducted at mosques and designated prayer grounds amid tight security and traffic arrangements. Children wearing colourful festive outfits added vibrancy to the celebrations as families gathered to mark the occasion.

Community leaders also appealed for peace, harmony, and communal unity during the celebrations.

In Tirunelveli district, large congregations were witnessed in Melapalayam, a Muslim-majority locality, where devotees in traditional attire assembled from early morning for prayers. Similar scenes were reported from several districts across Tamil Nadu, where special prayer meetings were organised in mosques and open stadiums.

Following the prayers, many families performed the traditional Qurbani ritual by sacrificing goats, cattle, and other permitted animals, with a significant portion of the meat donated to the poor and needy as part of Islamic practice.

Religious scholars delivering Eid messages emphasised the values of sacrifice, compassion, charity, and social harmony associated with Bakrid.

Special prayers were also offered for peace, prosperity, and communal harmony in the country. Authorities across Tamil Nadu made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of Bakrid prayers and related festivities.

–IANS

aal/dpb