Mangaluru: After a month-long Ramzan season of fasting and prayers, Muslims across the coastal districts celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr on Friday, marking the beginning of the Shawwal month with devotion and joy.Special Eid namaz was offered at mosques across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. Hundreds gathered at the Idgah Masjid at Lighthouse Hill in Mangaluru, where assembly speaker UT Khader joined the congregation and extended his Eid message.In his address, Khader emphasised that festivals convey the values of love, brotherhood, coexistence, mutual trust, and unity. He said these ideals are essential for building a progressive Karnataka and a strong India. Referring to the ongoing crisis in West Asia, he said he prayed for global peace and harmony. “War anywhere in the world causes anguish to all. I have prayed for peace and tranquillity to prevail everywhere,” he added. Eid celebrations were also held with enthusiasm at the Bajal Nanthoor Badriya Juma Masjid. Delivering the Eid message, Khateeb Al Haj Abdul Nasir Saadi stressed the importance of compassion and social responsibility. He urged people to support the poor, orphans, and the needy, stating that Eid is not just a festival of joy but also one that symbolises sacrifice and empathy.He called upon the community to live in harmony, setting aside differences, and cautioned against misusing the blessings of health, wealth, and time on harmful habits.The celebrations included a sermon and congregational prayers. A newly constructed mosque gate was inaugurated under the leadership of mosque president Abdul Ravoof.In Udupi, special Eid prayers were offered at mosques in various parts of Udupi, Kaup, Brahmavar, Kundapur, Byndoor, Hebri, and Karkala. Devotees wore new clothes, and gathered in large numbers for prayers. Separate arrangements were made for women at select mosques.
