Delhi all set for Eid celebration

NEW DELHI - Delhi was in a festive mood for Saturday’s Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, with Muslims thronging the markets for their favourite delicacies and gifts and preparations on for the Eid congregations.

“Friday is the final day of fasting in Ramadan and Saturday will be Eid,” Syed Bukhari, Imam of the historic Jama Masjid in the city announced Thursday.

Police and security personnel will be deployed at various prayer grounds (Idgahs) around the city, a senior police official told IANS. “Jama Masjid alone may see a deployment of around 500 policemen,” he added.

People preparing for the Eid festivities also hoped that rains would not disrupt their celebrations. Mohammed Amaan, 24, a resident of Chandni Chowk, said: “Eid is one of the most important days in a year. We’ve looked forward to it for a long time. We just pray that the weather doesn’t play spoilsport.”

Shamianas or marquees have been set up around the city for Saturday’s prayers.

Food courts across Daryaganj, Sita Ram Bazaar, Okhla and other parts of the city are preparing their best for Saturday. Eid traditionally is best known for the mouth watering sweet dishes like sevaiyan (vermicelli pudding).

Shabnum Akhtar, 56, a homemaker from Ballimaran, said her family and neighbours look forward to the sevaiyan. “So we’ve started the preparations today.”

“We would generally prepare several items, but the high prices this year are compelling us to have a moderate feast,” she added.

In tune with the changing times, Eid is also being celebrated over the internet. People have already started exchanging wishes over the social networking websites.

“Eid greeting cards” has already become one of the most searched phrase on the search engine Google in the past few days. On the subject of Eid, India has already generated the eighth highest number of queries in the world on Google.

“I started sending e-cards to my friends since last week,” said Aisha Bashir, a

college student.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and other political leaders have greeted the people on the occasion of Eid. “I wish all the Delhiites, and hope the festival brings the message of peace and harmony to everyone.”

Leader of the opposition in the assembly V.K. Malhotra said Eid highlighted the message of brotherhood and peace.