ISLAMABAD - The Pakistan government has banned the collection of animal hides by militant and religious groups for charity on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha when Muslims sacrifice animals to fulfill a religious duty.

NEW DELHI - If there was sporadic violence in Kashmir Valley, there was also the heartwarming gesture of Muslims in a Maharashtra town deferring the traditional goat sacrifice as a mark of respect to Hindus. As millions of Indian Muslims celebrated Eid-ul-Azha, its spirit came alive in many splendoured ways.

NEW DELHI - The area around Jama Masjid in Delhi's old quarter was a sight to behold Wednesday as men of all ages, dressed in crisp white pathani suits and matching skull caps, visited the 17th century mosque to offer prayers on Eid-ul-Azha and hugged each other, saying "Eid Mubarak"!

HYDERABAD - Over 200,000 people offered prayers at the historic Mir Alam Eidgah, making for the biggest Eid-ul-Azha congregation in Hyderabad. They were among millions of Muslims who celebrated the festival in Andhra Pradesh Wednesday.

LUCKNOW - Thousands of Muslims converged at mosques and prayer grounds here to offer Eid-ul-Azha prayers Wednesday morning. And then it was time for merrymaking and feeding the poor.