Delhiites celebrate Eid

People dressed in traditional finery flocked to mosques here on an overcast Monday morning to offer 'namaz' on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. Scores of people, including former vice-president Hamid Ansari, offered prayers at the historic Jama Masjid on Parliament Street. Many also visited the Feroz Shah Kotla mosque.

Soon after the 'namaz', people hugged each other and the mosques reverberated with greetings of "Eid Mubarak". The celebrations were held amid tight security.

Security in the national capital has been beefed up in view of Eid al-Adha, upcoming Independence Day and abrogation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370. Political leaders took to Twitter to extend greetings to people.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he hoped that the festival will further the spirit of peace and happiness in the society. "My best wishes on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. I hope it furthers the spirit of peace and happiness in our society. Eid Mubarak!" he said.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also wished everyone on Twitter. Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakrid or Id-ul-Zuha, marks Prophet Abraham's sacrifice of a lamb after God spared his son, Prophet Ismail. It is also known as the festival of sacrifice.