AP Image of Muslim pilgrims in Mecca: Source

The Islamic festival of Eid-ul-Adha also known as Eid-ul-Zuha and Bakra Eid has been fervently celebrated by the Muslim community of Udaipur today. The day was commenced by offering Namaz-e-Eid by thousands of Muslims who gathered at Paltan Mosque (Eid Gah).

The mass prayers were closely followed by visiting the graveyard to pay condolence to the departed souls. Many Muslim men wearing the traditional attires were seen buying flowers and scented sticks to be offered on the graves of their relatives.

After these two religious customs, devotees performed one of the most important practices of sacrificing the animal, most preferably a goat or sheep by pronouncing the name of God.

While men got busy in sacrificing the animal, women of the family prepared for the feast to celebrate the day of Eid-ul-Adha.

Mrs. Shamshad Khan( in photo above), a housewife said, “Before preparing day’s meal which obviously consisted of special dishes, we divided the meat portions; one for poor and needy, the other for relatives and the rest about one fourth for our ownself.”

“We carefully take portions and send it to our relatives etc. this is an important observance of this day according to the religious and the sacred texts,” said Mrs. Khan.

Besides giving wishes on this auspicious occasion, Muslims also conduct “Dawat” a friendly get-together where friends and family members met and enjoyed the feast.

Unlike Eid-ul- Fitr, where popular sweet dish Sheer Khurma is considered as a major food to be served, mutton is the main part of special dishes made on Eid-ul -Adha.

Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated every year on the10th day of the last Islamic month of Duh al Hijjah, which also marks the competition of Hajj, the Islamic annual pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Below are few photographs of Eid Celebrations by Udaipurites.