Thousands offer prayers at Ajmer Sharif Dargah on Eid al-Adha

Large crowds thronged the Ajmer Sharif Dargah from the early hours of the morning as devotees marked the festival with prayers, devotion and messages of peace and brotherhood.

Speaking to ANI, Ajmer Sharif Dargah Khadem Daulat Chishti said devotees from different parts of the country and overseas visit the shrine with deep faith on the occasion.

"Devotees from far and wide, from across India and abroad, gather here with deep reverence. They pass through the doors to offer their prayers and pay their respects," Chishti said.

Another Khadem of the shrine, Jishan Chishti, said people from border areas, including Barmer, Jaisalmer and Kashmir, arrived at the Dargah to participate in the celebrations.

"On this day of Eid, specifically, people from the border regions of Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Kashmir arrive at the shrine of Garib Nawaz, bringing with them their deep devotion. Just as the Hajj rituals concluded yesterday, today a gathering of devotees, united by love and brotherhood, has assembled here," he said.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay also extended greetings on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha and described the festival as a reminder of humanity and noble values.

In a message shared on X, Vijay said, "On the occasion of Bakrid, the festival of sacrifice, I extend my heartfelt and loving greetings to all my Islamic brothers and sisters."

He said Bakrid symbolises "faith in God, sacrifice, compassion, sharing, and humanitarianism" and urged people to share joy with the poor and underprivileged while promoting communal harmony and equality in society.

Eid Al-Adha, also known as the festival of sacrifice, commemorates Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice in obedience to God and is observed on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. (ANI)