Bakrid ushered in with fervour in TN, Puducherry

Fervour marked Eid-al-Adha, also known as Bakrid celebrations in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, with the devout offering prayers at mosques in conformity with Covid-19 protocols.

The celebrations were low-key last year amid the coronavirus pandemic, confining the celebratory mood to the homes across the state.

''I am glad I was able to offer prayers as per our tradition at the Triplicane Big Mosque in Chennai. Our elders have appealed to us to wear face masks and follow social distancing while offering prayers,'' said Hussain.

Like him, many who had eagerly turned up at the mosque were asked to apply hand sanitiser before stepping in.

The Triplicane Big Mosque, also called Wallajah Mosque, constructed in the Mughal architectural style, draws hundreds of people during Bakrid celebrations.

''Bakrid marks the end of Hajj pilgrimage to the Grand Mosque in Mecca and it unites Muslims across the globe bringing out the spirit of brotherhood and oneness,'' Ashim Basha, a city resident, said.

''Unlike the previous year, which forced us to remain at home, this time we were able to visit mosques as the infection declined and also because the state government permitted religious worship,'' he added.

Special prayers were held across Tamil Nadu by the faithfuls, in mosques and other designated places and many said they prayed for an early end to the Covid-19 pandemic and all-round prosperity.

Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Chief Minister M K Stalin, AIADMK leaders O Panneerselvam and K Palaniswami among others had extended Bakrid greetings.

Meanwhile, Eid was celebrated with fervour in neighbouring Puducherry, with prayers being held in mosques including at Nellithoppu.

Lt Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan and Chief Minister N Rangasamy greeted people on the occasion.PTI JSP CORR SA SS PTI PTI

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)