Nation celebrates Eid

It was festive mood in the capital Wednesday as Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated, with Muslims thronging mosques for morning namaz, offering alms to the poor and needy and visiting friends and relatives.

Marking the end of fasting month of Ramzan, people dressed in their festive best offered prayers in mosques across the city, including Jama Masjid, Fathepuri Masjid and Hazrat Nizamuddin.

People greeted each other "Eid Mubarak" soon after the namaz was over at the mosques and offered food to the poor and needy.

Devouts gathered at the prominent Jama Masjid and Fatehpuri Masjid in the walled city and listened to sermons of Shahi Imams Syed Ahmed Bukhari and Mufti Muhammed Mukkaram.

They also exchanged gifts and enjoyed special dishes, particularly 'sewayian' made of vermicelli, and different varieties of biryani.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh drove down to Vice President Hamid Ansari's residence here to wish him on the occassion.

Singh was accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and some ministers.

Members of Muslim community irrespective of their social status held prayers for peace, progress and prosperity.