New Delhi, May 28 (IANS) Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi on Thursday extended Eid al-Adha greetings to the countrymen and wished for happiness and peace in society.

Bakrid, also known as Eid al-Adha, is being celebrated with deep religious fervour and enthusiasm across the country on Thursday, as thousands of devotees gathered at mosques and Eidgahs from early morning to offer special prayers and mark one of the most significant festivals in Islam.

Taking to X, Kharge said, “The festival of Eid-al-Adha reflects the timeless virtues of sacrifice, faith, compassion and forgiveness.

“May this blessed occasion inspire us to deepen the spirit of brotherhood, strengthen the bonds of unity, and work together towards a society rooted in peace, harmony and shared progress. Wishing everyone a joyous and blessed Eid Mubarak!” he added.

Rahul Gandhi also took to social media and wished the countrymen on Eid al-Adha.

“Wishing you and your family a Bakrid filled with joy. May your home be filled with warmth and togetherness today. Eid Mubarak,” he said in a post on X.

Congress Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, in a post on X, said, “Eid al-Adha Mubarak to all! May this joyous occasion bring peace, love and prosperity to every home. Wishing everyone happiness, blessings, and the spirit of unity and brotherhood.”

Large congregations of worshippers were witnessed at several places across the country, with people dressed in traditional attire participating in prayers and exchanging greetings with family members, friends, and neighbours.

Worshippers said the festival carries a message of “brotherhood, communal harmony, and peaceful coexistence”, while also reminding people about compassion, sacrifice, and charity.

Authorities made elaborate security arrangements in several cities to ensure that celebrations passed off peacefully and law and order were maintained during the festivities.

Eid al-Adha, widely known as Bakrid in India, holds immense religious significance for Muslims across the world. The festival commemorates the devotion and sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. The occasion symbolises unwavering faith, obedience to God, gratitude, compassion, forgiveness, sacrifice, and charity.

Families gathered to celebrate the festival with prayers, festive meals, and acts of kindness, while many people also distributed food and extended help to the underprivileged as part of the spirit of the occasion.

–IANS

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