Patna: The state capital witnessed a vibrant celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr on Saturday as thousands of devotees gathered at Gandhi Maidan and various local mosques and Eidgahs to offer prayers and exchange greetings. Despite a drizzle and heavy cloud cover throughout the morning, nearly 20,000 namazis assembled at Gandhi Maidan to participate in the mass congregation. The weather appeared to enhance the festive spirit rather than dampen it, as families arrived in traditional attire to mark the end of the holy month of Ramzan.“The cool breeze and the light rain actually made the morning very pleasant for us after a month of fasting in the heat,” Mohammad Asif, a resident of Sabzibagh, said. He added that the overcast sky provided much-needed relief to the elderly and children who came to the open ground for the prayers.
Following the prayers, the city transitioned into a day of social visits and culinary indulgence. Markets in the old city areas, including Ashok Rajpath and Bari Path, remained busy as people bought gifts and ingredients for traditional feasts.“Our house has been filled with the aroma of slow-cooked Afghani chicken and different varieties of seviyan since dawn,” Rubina Khatoon, a home chef from SP Verma Road, said. She added that the preparation of kimami seviyan remains the most anticipated part of the feast for guests and neighbours alike.“Eid in Patna has always been about meeting old friends at the Maidan and then heading out for a walk through the city,” Tanveer Alam, a student, said. He added that the sight of people hugging and wishing each other ‘Eid Mubarak’ under the grey skies created a memorable atmosphere this year.Security remained tight across the Bihar capital to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. District administration officials were stationed at major intersections, while volunteers assisted in managing the large crowds at Gandhi Maidan after the ceremony. The spirit of the day was defined by a sense of communal harmony as people from different walks of life joined their friends in the celebrations.
