PM greets Vice President on occasion of Eid

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh called on Vice President, Mohammad Hamid Ansari in New Delhi on the occasion of Eid-Ul-Fitr on Monday.

The end of the holy month of Ramadan was declared with the sighting of moon across India on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Muslims in Gurgaon prayed for peace and prosperity of their people as well as the nation.

"This is a reward after Ramadan. This is a gift to us after 30 days of fasting and we offer prayers. We meet and greet each other, spread love and promote peace and brotherhood. We do not have differences with anyone," said Mohammad Rizwan, a devotee.

Muslims believe Eid is not only just a time of spiritual devotion and verbal expressions of love and brotherhood but is also a time of religious unity when people from all religions and nationalities come together to share greetings.

During Ramadan, Muslims observe fast during daylight hours. Fasting has a very important place in Islam and has been made one of the fundamental tenets.

In Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, Muslims prayed and embraced each other and exchanged Eid greetings after the prayers.

The Taj Mahal in Agra was abuzz with activity, as Muslims and foreign tourists turned up in large numbers on the occasion of Eid.

"Today is Eid and this is the end of the sacred month of Ramzan and we pray that peace and brotherhood is promoted during this festival," said Bilal, a devotee.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, honours the revelation of the 'Holy Koran' to Prophet Muhammad and has traditionally been a time of religious fervour.

It is considered the best exercise for self-restraint. During the 'Roza' or fasting, Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink or indulge in any form of pleasure. They eat Sehri - a small pre-dawn meal, and at dusk they break the day-long fast with the Iftar - the evening meal. (ANI)