KOCHI: Kochiites on Wednesday celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr with prayers and gaiety, marking the end of yet another Ramzan. The young and the old participated in Id Gah, offered prayers, shared sweets and gifts and met friends and relatives. Though Id Gahs were erected at various places owing to fear of rain, it was only at Marine Drive Idgah that the Muslims offered prayers. So most of the Masjids were crowded as the believers could not make it to the Id Gahs. Special prayers were held at various Masjids at Kaloor, Mattanchery, Elamakkara, Palarivattom, Vytilla and Thrikkakara. “During the prayers there was no rain. We had a very pleasant weather. Moreover, it is also a thing of joy that after several years most of India celebrated Eid on the same day,” said Ibrahim Khan. But that was not the only positive aspect of Eid this time. Adding to the general euphoria of the festival time, observers noted several encouraging trends this Ramzan. One of the most oft-quoted aspect was the significant increase in the number of ‘Eid Sangamams’ and Iftar parties. “Earlier such functions were conducted mainly by Muslims. But now there is an increasing number of Sangamam parties organised by people from other religions. It is becoming a social programme now, said P K Shamsudeen, former High Court Judge and state president of Kerala Shanti Samiti.Another trend is the increasing participation of youth in fasts and participation especially of men. “The youths are proud to say that they are observing fast. Many of our elders tell us that when they were young they did not undertake fast so regularly. This is especially true of men. Women have always been a step ahead as far as the observance of fasts and others rituals are concerned. But now men are also eager to participate in fast,” said P K Firoz, state president, Muslim Students Federation. The increase in charitable activities has also come in for praise from several quarters. Many note that unlike earlier times when there were individual contributions at Zakat, now it is more widespread. “Now, the contributions are brought together at the Mosque, the beneficiaries identified and systematically given help. This is a new trend too,” said Justice Shamsudeen.
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