KOCHI: Muslims in Ernakulam district celebrated Id-ul-Fitr (Cheriya Perunnal) on Friday after a month-long predawn-to-dusk fasting and evening mass prayers.
Rains played spoilsport on the celebrations but thousands thronged morning prayers held at several places. Imams, who led the prayers in the mosques, exhorted the devotees to work towards ensuring communal harmony and the collective sense of humanity.
Devout Muslims poured into mosques and Id-gahs to offer prayers. Senior clerics and community elders gave the sermons.
The Perunnal Namaskaram, which was scheduled to be held at Marine Drive, was shifted to Masjidu Dawa at Kaloor. Id-ul-Fitr prayers were also held at several mosques across the district. The celebrations were marked by the exchange of visits to friends and relatives and feasts.
Mammootty
Celebrities too joined the festive mood. Actor Mammootty attended the Perunnal Namaskaram held at the mosque in Vyttila.
Preparations for the festival began in most homes on Thursday, the last day of the fasting month of Ramzan. It was certain by Wednesday that the festival would fall on Friday.
Women and children stepped up the festive mood by wearing new clothes. Intricate designs made of fresh henna on the palms of the women and children served as a reminder of the festival. Kitchens in the households bristled with activity as women prepared biriyani and other delicacies for serving sumptuous meals to their guests.
Many joined hands to make the occasion truly memorable.
Areas with high density of Muslim population like Aluva wore a deserted look throughout the day, as most shops remained shut. As part of the ‘fitr zakaat,' free Perunnaal kits, comprising food items, new clothes and money, were distributed to the poor.
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