Muslims brave heat to mark Eid

Bhubaneswar: Muslims braved the scorching summer heat to come together and offer prayers at different mosques and Idgah grounds across the state to mark Eid.The festival follows the end of the annual Haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, is also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice”. Some faithfuls sacrificed animals like goat and sheep to mark the occasion. Police made elaborate arrangements at different minority-dominated pockets to ensure that the festival passes off peacefully.The city saw huge rush of faithfuls during mass prayer at mosques in Unit IV, Unit VIII, Unit IX, Niladri Bihar, railway station, Pokhariput and Mancheswar area. Some mosque managements, apart from making elaborate arrangements to facilitate smooth prayer, were also seen distributing water pouches and cold drinks to the faithfuls to beat the heat. The occasion saw people sharing the festive mood with friends and family members.Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi offered warm greetings and festival wishes for the community. They also wished for the all-round progress and prosperity of the community.