Kerala celebrates Eid today after crescent moon sighting; Guv, CM offer greetings

Kozhikode: The festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, signifying the end of a month-long fast, will be celebrated in Kerala on Wednesday.

Khazis made the announcement on Tuesday after the crescent moon was sighted over Kadalundy here. The sighting of the crescent marks the start of the Arabic month Shawwal following the completion of 29 days of the month of Ramadan.

The announcement of Eid-ul-Fitr was also made by community leaders such as Kozhikode acting-main-Khazi Safeer Sakafi, Khazi Mohammed Koya Jamalul Laili, Panakkad Sadik Ali Thangal, Kerala Hilal Committee (KNM) Chairman M Mohammed Madani and Samastha President Jifri Muthukkoya Thangal.

CM, Governor offer greetings
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday extended greetings to the Muslim community in the state on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr and wished the festival may strengthen brotherhood and compassion among the people.

In a message, Khan said Eid-ul-Fitr celebrates the glory of self-restraint, sacrifice and generosity and the fast reminds us of our responsibility of creating a hunger-free and happier world.

"My heartiest greetings to Keralites all over the world, on the solemn occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr," he said.

Meanwhile, Vijayan said the state is all set to celebrate the Eid after ending the fast which upholds the values of sacrifice and humanity.

The period of fasting ahead of the Eid teaches us to understand the pains and sorrows of those around us and share their difficulties, he said in his message.

"Ours is a state where people from different communities live with love and happiness. Be wary of reactionary forces that try to create a rift in this unity by spewing the poison of communalism," the CM said.

Leader of Opposition in the Assembly V D Satheesan and Assembly Speaker A N Shamseer also extended Eid greetings to the people. 

Muslims celebrate the festival with Eid prayers and by distributing 'rice' as their mandatory share of Fitr Zakat. Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated in the rest of the country on Thursday except Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.