Delhi celebrates Eid with traditional fervour

NEW DELHI - The walled city Saturday reverberated with greetings of ‘Eid Mubarak’ as thousands of people thronged the historic Jama Masjid and other Eidgahs of the old city to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr.

The Jama Masjid, built by Mughal emperor Shahjehan in 1656, looked spectacular as thousands of people, mostly clad in white, offered congregational Eid prayers.

The Shahi Imams of Jama Masjid and Fatehpuri mosque, Syed Ahmed Bukhari and Mufti Muhammed Mukkaram preached the message of peace and harmony to thousands of listeners.

Large tantalising varieties of ’sevaiyan’ (vermicelli pudding), ‘firni’ (rice pudding), meat and biryani were on display in the old city for connoisseurs who had come from far and to tickle taste buds for the special occasion.

Shops and restaurants — offering varieties in cuisines and gifts — witnessed a huge turnout.

Police and security personnel were deployed at various prayer grounds in the city. The Jama Masjid alone saw a deployment of around 500 policemen.

Mosques and neighbourhoods apart, social networking sites were also abuzz with activity since morning as people wished one another through messages, scraps and e-cards.