Chennai/Nagapattinam/Madurai, Mar 21 (PTI) Thousands of devotees flocked to mosques and open-air Eidgahs across Tamil Nadu on Saturday to offer special prayers marking the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, as the state immersed itself in a spirit of piety, communal harmony, and festive celebration.
From the massive congregations at Chennai’s Island Grounds and the historic Triplicane Big Mosque to the coastal town of Nagapattinam and the southern hub of Madurai, the end of the holy month of Ramadan was observed with traditional gaiety.
Devotees in Coimbatore’s Karumbukadai and various parts of Viluppuram also joined the morning prayers, offering supplications for global peace and national prosperity.
At the world-famous Nagore Dargah in Nagapattinam, the management noted that the completion of the 30-day fast represents the fulfilment of the third fundamental duty of Islam.
They emphasised that the festival promotes human values and discipline across all sections of society. Highlighting the intersection of religious and civic duties, the Dargah management urged all Islamic men and women to participate in the upcoming elections and cast their votes without fail.
In Chennai, senior Congress leader J M Haroon extended his greetings while condemning international conflicts, calling for an immediate end to military activities against Islamic people in the interest of global peace.
The festive atmosphere was complemented by a massive surge in the state’s culinary markets, where mutton sales peaked as families prepared elaborate feasts. Traditional delicacies such as Mutton Biryani, Vattalappam, and Sheer Khurma were prepared in households, while many followed the local custom of breaking the morning fast with Idiyappam and mutton curry.
In Madurai, the Tamil Nadu Thowheed Jamath organised large-scale special prayers at the Tamukkam Grounds, while across the state, the mandatory charity of Zakat-al-Fitr was distributed to ensure the underprivileged could join the celebrations.
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister M K Stalin, and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami extended their greetings to the Muslim community.
Governor Arlekar expressed his warmest wishes for good health and prosperity, noting that the occasion should foster peace and brotherhood while strengthening unity in nation-building.
Chief Minister Stalin stated that the DMK government stands as a fortress for the Islamic community, upholding social justice in education, employment, and political representation. He highlighted his government’s opposition to laws targeting minorities and recalled welfare schemes such as the establishment of Hajj House in Chennai and scholarships for students.
AIADMK chief Palaniswami urged people to follow the Prophet’s teachings of charity and compassion, extending his greetings in the legacy of the party’s late CMs M G Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa. PTI JR JR ADB
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