Marking the culmination of the one-month-long fasting, Muslims in Kerala on Saturday celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr with religious fervour and festivities.

Cutting across age and economic barriers, hundreds of faithful thronged mosques and specially arranged Eidgahs across the southern state in the morning offer prayers.

During the sermons at the mosques, religious leaders urged devotees to uphold values of compassion, fraternity, and social harmony and live a life adhering to the values of Islam.

During his address at the famed Palayam Juma Masjid here, Imam V P Suhaib Maulavi made it clear that Islam does not support or propagate any kind of violence.

Irrespective of their age, people could be seen hugging each other and exchanging pleasantries after the prayers in the mosques.

“Eid is also an occasion to strengthen our relationships with family members, friends, and neighbors. We used to visit our near and distant family members on this day. We also do charity without any fail during the Perunnal (Eid) day,” an elderly Muslim man said at the Palayam mosque ground here.

Traditional feasts were prepared in Muslim houses with an array of ethnic delicacies.

The Kerala government declared a public holiday for all state-run offices and educational institutions today.

Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly V D Satheesan were among those who extended Eid greetings to people.

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