Mass prayers, celebrations mark Bakrid

Mysuru/Mandya: Muslim community members offered mass prayers on the occasion of Bakrid on Thursday. A large number of Muslims took part in a mass prayer held at the Idgah Maidan in Tilak Nagar. The prayers were led by Sir Khazi of Mysuru Hazarath Moulana Mohammed Usman Shariff. Prayers began as early as 6.30 am in various mosques and went on till 11 am. Muslims from various layouts like Mandi Mohalla, Ragimandi, Ghousia Nagar, Kalayanagiri, Udayagiri, NR Mohalla, Rajiv Nagar, Banni Mantap, Kakarawadi congregated at the Idgah Maidan to offer mass prayers.Sir Khazi of Mysuru Hazarath Moulana Mohammed Usman Shariff prayed for the welfare of the country and to protect everyone from dreaded diseases. Apart from this, prayers were also offered at Eidgah Maidans in Rajiv Nagar, Ghousia Nagar and various mosques in the city.Former MLA Vasu participated in the mass prayer at Idgah Maidan in Tilak Nagar and exchanged greetings with Muslim religious heads. Former minister and MLA Tanveer Sait took part in the mass prayer at Udagiri mosque. City police had made elaborate security arrangements to prevent any untoward incidents.In Mandya, the Muslim community observed Bakrid, which symbolises sacrifice and brotherhood. Prayers were held at the mosques early in the morning before the gathering at the Idgah Maidan for the special mass prayers. People from other faiths also greeted the Muslim community members on the occasion.