Bhubaneswar, Sep 14: Yesterday Odisha celebrated Eid ul-Zuha also known as Eid al-Adha and Bakr Eid with much pomp and gaiety in a traditional style.
The mosques in Cuttack, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Balasore and Bhubanewar were filled up with devotees who had come there to offer prayers. Namaaz was offered in a huge mass which marked the beginning of the festival. Even people had on new clothes and after offering the prayer were seen hugging and wishing each other blessings for the occasion. Cuttack witnessed around great fanfare in over 40 mosques and religious places. Special arrangements were made in old Idgah field in Kendrpada. Then also 5,000 devotees took part in the namaz held in Kuans Idgah field in Bhadrak. Similar arrangements were made in mosques of Bhubaneswar. Special traffic and security arrangements were made by the local administration in the towns to avoid any danger.
Notably, Eid-ul-Zoha is the second festival, the first being Eid-ul-fitr, is celebrated by Muslims all over the world with great religious fervor. This festival marks the end of the Haj pilgrimage, by feasting on meat and dressing up in traditional attire. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts. The family retains one third of the share, another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbours and the remaining third is given to the poor.
Traditionally, it’s a form of paying tribute to Ibrahim for his willingness to sacrifice his son to be as an act of submission to God’s command, before God intervenes through his angel Jibra’il and informs him that his sacrifice has already been accepted.
