Mangaluru: Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated with religious fervour and communal harmony across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts on Friday, marking the end of the holy month of fasting.
Members of the Muslim community gathered in large numbers at mosques and Eidgah grounds to offer special prayers, exchanging greetings and celebrating the spirit of togetherness and compassion.
Mass prayers held across mosques
In Mangaluru, the main congregational prayers were held at Idgah Masjid in Bavutagudde, where the khutba (sermon) was delivered by Dakshina Kannada district Khazi Alhaz Twaka Ahmed Musliyar.
At Zeenath Baksh Central Juma Masjid, the Eid namaz was led by Khatib Sayyed Shamsuddin Basith Ba Alavi Al Ansari, drawing a large gathering of devotees.
Prayers were also conducted at several prominent mosques across the city, including:
- Thaqwa Juma Masjid, Pumpwell
- Rahmaniya Juma Masjid, Kankanady
- Badriya Juma Masjid, Bajal Nantoor
- Bolar Jamiya Masjid
- Bolar Islamic Centre near Shadi Mahal
- Masjid Al-Jalal, Kaprigudda
- Eidgah Ground, Kudroli
- Masjid Al Ehsan
- Vaslane Jamia Masjid, Kudroli
- Ullal Kendra Jumma Masjid
Leaders join celebrations
U T Khader participated in the prayers at Bavutagudde and extended Eid greetings to the public. Speaking to media persons, he highlighted the universal message of festivals.
“All festivals spread messages of peace, love, and brotherhood. Prayers were offered for a developed Karnataka, the country, and global peace,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of unity in a global context, noting that conflicts anywhere in the world have widespread consequences.
MLC Ivan D’Souza also visited the venue and conveyed his wishes to the community members on the occasion.
Festive spirit and community bonding
Following the prayers, people greeted each other warmly by embracing and exchanging wishes of “Eid Mubarak.” Markets and streets witnessed festive activity, with families shopping for traditional delicacies, clothing, and other items.
Elderly citizens, youth, and children dressed in new attire added colour to the celebrations, reflecting the joy and significance of the festival.
Many families also visited burial grounds after the prayers to offer respects to their departed loved ones, a customary practice observed during Eid.
Message of compassion and responsibility
Delivering the Eid message at Badriya Juma Masjid, Bajal Nantoor, Khathib Al Haj Abdul Naseer Saadi emphasised the deeper meaning of the festival.
He stated that helping the poor, orphans, and the needy is a fundamental duty of every individual. He underscored that Eid is not merely a celebration but a reminder of sacrifice, compassion, and social responsibility.
He also urged people to set aside differences and live in harmony, cautioning against wasting the blessings of life—such as health, wealth, and time—on harmful habits like gambling, alcohol consumption, and immoral activities.
Mosque inauguration marks occasion
Adding to the significance of the day, a newly constructed mosque entrance was inaugurated under the leadership of mosque president and former corporator Abdul Rauf, marking a moment of pride for the local community.
Conclusion
The celebrations across coastal Karnataka reflected the essence of Eid—unity, gratitude, and generosity. As people came together in prayer and festivity, the occasion served as a reminder of shared values and the importance of peaceful coexistence in a diverse society.