30k offer namaz at Gandhi Maidan

Patna: Around 30,000 faithful gathered at the historical Gandhi Maidan in the capital to offer namaz (prayers), as the Muslims across the state soaked themselves in Eid-ul-Fitr fervour on Thursday. Open grounds apart, the faithful started thronging the mosques across the state to offer namaz in the morning, after which they hugged and wished each other on the occasion. Chief minister Nitish Kumar also attended the prayers at Gandhi Maidan, sending a message of brotherhood. He remained in Gandhi Maidan for around 15 minutes, but avoided talking to media personnel. Mahmood Alam, president of Eaidan committee, said the crescent moon was sighted on Wednesday, after which the faithful celebrated Eid on Thursday.Apart from Gandhi Maidan, nearly 15,000 people visited Gulzarbagh Shahi Eidgah and offered namaz at 7.30am, he said.In Muzaffarpur, namazis offered Eid prayers at the city’s Badi Eidgah, Jama Masjid and Data Kambal Shah Mazhar among other mosques across the district. About 5,000 people offered namaz at Badi Eidgah. A fair was also organised near the mosque.Eid-ul-Fitr marks the conclusion of the holy month of Ramzan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims worldwide observe fast. The end of Ramzan is decided based on the sighting of the crescent moon.After offering the namaz, people visit the homes of their relatives and friends, and enjoy traditional dishes such as biryani, kebabs and seviyaan together. Elders give Eidi (money) to children as gift.President Draupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leader of opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav extended their wishes through social media.Meanwhile, Congress leader Pappu Yadav, who has filed his nominations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Purnia constituency as an Independent candidate, reached the Eidgah located at the local Government Medical College and Hospital and greeted people by hugging and extending his wishes to them. The visitors, on the other hand, were seen taking selfies with him.Meanwhile, tight security arrangements were made for Eid in the state capital and its fringes. District magistrate Shirsat Kapil Ashok said magistrates and police officers were deputed at a total of 402 places in Patna City sub-division, which has one of the highest Muslim population of the district. “Besides, Bihar Special Armed Police were also deployed at 60 places in Patna sadar sub-division, 133 in Patna City sub-division, 69 in Danapur, 61 in Barh, 39 in Masaurhi and 40 places in Paliganj.The administration also set up a 24x7 district control room with 27 reserved magistrates in three shifts to assist people in reporting incidents and seeking help. Dial 112 team was on high alert as well, while five reserved magistrates were stationed at Gandhi Maidan.