Surat: Majority of Muslims in Diamond City celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr on Friday. Thousands of Muslims from different parts of the city reached Eidgah grounds in Rander to offer prayers.
Muslims thronged the markets for the last minute purchases after Rander Chand Committee announced Eid celebration on Thursday night.
Rajmarg from Chowk Bazaar to Zampa Bazaar was buzzing with activity. Many were spotted at dairy shops purchasing malai to savour with their families and friends. The local dairies were open till early morning hours as Muslims purchased thousands of kilograms of malai to mark the end of the holy month of Ramzan.
Youngsters adorning traditional dresses and religious caps hit the roads to wish their near and dear ones Eid Mubarak. The scent of varieties of ‘attar’ was in the air outside the Eidgah in Rander.
Mahesh Chowala, a local dairy owner at Chowk Bazaar, said, “Demand for malai or milk cream increases during Ramadan. I have sold more than 150 kilograms of malai in just three hours on Thursday. Muslims savour malai with a special type of bread known as naan.”
Aslam Malek, a businessman, said, “Usually, we do not sleep on Ramadan day as we have to do lot of things in the morning, including offering special prayers at Eidgah and mosques. My house would be swarmed by friends and relatives.”
Women were busy preparing several dishes in anticipation of arrival of friends and families. Sheerkhurma is sweet dish offered to guests visiting their houses to wish Eid Mubarak.
“It is a practice to offer Eidi or gift to children and youngsters. With changing times, the amount of Eidi is no longer small. I have bought smartphones for my nephews and nieces,” said Salima Shaikh, a housewife.
Those following Khwaja Dana and other sub-groups of Muslims would celebrate Eid on Saturday.
Devotees offer namaaz on occasion of Eid-Ul-Fitr at Eidgaah ground in Rander in Surat