Udupi: Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated with devotion and unity across Udupi district, with special prayers held in mosques spanning Udupi, Kaup, Brahmavar, Kundapur, Byndoor, Hebri, and Karkala taluks on Friday.
Devotees began the day by offering Fitr Zakat to the needy, reinforcing the festival’s core values of charity, compassion, and inclusiveness. Dressed in new attire, men, women, and children gathered in large numbers at mosques to offer the special Eid namaz, with several places making separate arrangements to facilitate women’s participation.
Spirit of charity and togetherness
The celebrations reflected a strong sense of community bonding, as people greeted one another with warm embraces and exchanged Eid wishes after the prayers.
Religious leaders across the district emphasised the importance of extending support to the underprivileged, noting that Fitr Zakat ensures that even the most vulnerable members of society can share in the joy of the festival.
Message of discipline and compassion
At the Doddanagudde Mosque in Udupi, Khateeb Qasim Saadi delivered a message highlighting the deeper significance of the festival. He stated that the discipline, self-restraint, and devotion observed during the holy month of Ramadan should continue to guide individuals throughout their lives.
He urged people to uphold values such as patience, compassion, and responsibility in daily life, adding that helping the poor and feeding the hungry are among the essential teachings associated with Eid.
He also called for communal harmony, encouraging people to maintain love, trust, and mutual respect with neighbours and individuals of other faiths. Cautioning against extravagance and misconduct, he advised that celebrations should remain within moral and religious boundaries.
Prayers held at key mosques
At Udupi Jamia Mosque, Eid prayers were led by Maulana Abdur Rasheed Nadvi, while at Udupi Anjuman Mosque, the prayers were led by Maulana Inayathulla Razvi.
At the central mosque of the Udupi District Joint Jamaat, Moolur Juma Masjid, special Eid prayers and khutba were conducted under the leadership of Khateeb Hafiz Muhammad Ashraf Sakhafi.
M A Ghafoor, Chairman of the Coastal Development Authority, also participated in the prayers.
Udupi District Muslim Okkoota President Muhammad Moula extended Eid greetings to the community on the occasion.
Processions and community participation
In Kundapur, an Eid procession was taken out from the Juma Masjid in the morning, followed by special prayers at the Eidgah ground.
At the Hashimi Mosque in Nayarkere, Brahmagiri, Imam Obaidur Rahman Nadvi led the special Eid prayers and delivered a message focusing on social responsibility.
Call to address social issues
Religious leaders used the occasion to highlight pressing social concerns, particularly among the youth. Imam Obaidur Rahman Nadvi urged parents to ensure that children stay away from substance abuse and reckless behaviour.
He pointed out that increasing cases of rash and negligent driving have led to accidents involving young people, stressing the need for parental guidance and awareness.
He also emphasised that festivals should serve as opportunities to strengthen communal harmony and foster peaceful coexistence.
Tight security arrangements in place
To ensure smooth and peaceful celebrations, police deployed tight security arrangements at major mosques and gathering points across Udupi district.
Authorities monitored the situation closely to prevent any untoward incidents, ensuring that the festival was observed without disruption.
Conclusion
The Eid celebrations in Udupi district highlighted the essence of unity, compassion, and shared responsibility. As communities came together in prayer and festivity, the messages delivered by religious leaders reinforced the importance of harmony, discipline, and care for society at large.