Pious Muslims across Tripura along with other parts of the country on Thursday celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr with fervour and gaiety.

Hindus also joined in the celebrations in many parts of the state to mark the day with a show of harmony between communities.

Muslims offered Namaaz (prayers) in a gesture of thanks giving at the end of the month-long fasting during Ramadan at Eidgahs and mosques across the state. Hindu families visited the houses of their Muslim friends and greeted them on the occasion.

Large congregations of Muslims offering prayers were seen at Agartala’s Shivnagar, Shantipara, border Gulchakkar, Aralia and other parts of the state including Sonamura, Kailashahar and Dharmanagar towns.

Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu in his greetings to the people of the state said that the festival will bring more peace and prosperity and will strengthen the bonding of the people. “The festival will also strengthen the compassion   and patience among us”, said the Governor.

Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha in his message also greeted the people of the state on eve of Eid-ul-Fitr and added that month long ‘namaaz’ (prayers) of Ramadan will make Tripura more beautiful. He also wishes people for more happiness and peace. He also hoped that the festival of Eid will strengthen the bonding between all religions of Tripura and will bring more prosperity.

Reports from the other pious Muslims offered ‘Namaaz’ (prayers) in hundreds of mosques of the state to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on Thursday. Eid-ul-Fitr has a special significance for Muslims as it comes after 30 days of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

However, just before a day the celebration of Eid, shopping reached a feverish pitch in Agartala city and other sub divisional towns of the state on Wednesday as shoppers’ thronged markets to complete their shopping for ‘Chaitra Sale’ and for the Eid celebration.