Date:22/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/22/stories/2008032261170400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Prayers, processions mark Id

Special Correspondent

— Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy

Curious Onlooker: Muslims taking out a procession on Tannery Road in Bangalore on the occasion of Id-Milad on Friday.

BANGALORE: Id-Milad, the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammed, was celebrated across the city on Friday.

A festive atmosphere prevailed in the city as Muslims distributed sweets, offered prayers in mosques and greeted one another. Processions were also taken out at various places. A large number of people participated in a procession taken out from the Jumma Masjid, near K.R Market, to YMCA grounds.

Moulvi Riyazul Rehman, Imam of Jamia Masjid, described Islam as a religion that advocated peace and harmony. “Islam does not preach hatred to people belonging to other communities.It calls for love and universal brotherhood which every devout Muslim must understand. We must live in peace and let others also live in peace,” he said.

On the occasion, Governor Rameshwar Thakur, the former Chief Minister S.M. Krishna and leaders of political parties wished peace, happiness and prosperity to the people of the State.

Incidentally, Friday was also the New Year day for Parsis.