Eid-ul-Fitr festivities begin in Kerala with prayers in mosques and Eidgahs

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Eid ul-Fitr, one of the two major Islam festivals, is being celebrated today after the Shawaal moon sighting on Tuesday. Prayers have started in mosques and Eidgahs. Islam believers are in a festive mood after a month-long fast.

Palayam Imam Dr. VP Suhaib Moulavi and South Kerala Jamiat Ulema General Secretary Thodiyur Muhammadukunji Maulavi informed that Eid ul-Fitr will be celebrated today as the Shawaal moon has been sighted in Ponnani. North India and Delhi will be celebrating the Eid ul-Fitr tomorrow.

On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, Governor Arif Muhammad Khan extended greetings to Keralites around the world. He said that Eid-ul-Fitr is a celebration celebrating the glory of self-restraint, sacrifice and generosity. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that Eid ul-Fitr celebrations are a reflection of high brotherhood and wished everyone on the occasion. "Ours is a country where people of different communities live with love and happiness. Beware of the forces who are trying to create a rift in this unity by spewing communal venom," he said.