News Desk
NEW DELHI — On Monday, India burst into a radiant celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, as over 200 million Muslims filled mosques, Eidgahs, and public squares from the neon-lit streets of Kolkata to the tranquil fields of Jharkhand, closing the holy month of Ramadan with prayers and jubilation. The Shawwal crescent moon, spotted Sunday night, heralded a day of unity and peace, casting light on India’s vibrant mosaic of cultures and its enduring ethos of coexistence.
Across this nation of 1.4 billion, Eid wove a rich narrative of shared joy. Hands traced with henna, markets aglow with festive bustle, and tables laden with biryani and rosogolla painted a picture of a country reveling in its diversity, each corner contributing to a collective harmony.
A Countrywide Embrace
Delhi’s Jama Masjid, a 17th-century marvel, brimmed with devotees offering Namaz beneath a vigilant security net that kept the peace intact. “On this sacred day, I wish everyone Eid Mubarak. It’s calm, and we’re all celebrating together,” one worshipper told IANS, his voice a quiet hymn to the capital’s festive calm. Another said, “The vibe is electric—Ramadan’s end feels like a triumph.”
In Uttar Pradesh, the heartland hummed with devotion. Hardoi’s Eidgah hosted thousands, a local reflecting, “Prayers went off without a hitch—peace reigns here.” Crowds swelled past half a lakh in some spots, and in Lucknow, Imam Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali called for prayers in designated areas, adding wishes for India’s safety and peace in Palestine—a bridge between local faith and global hope.
Kolkata pulsed with its own rhythm. At Tipu Sultan and Nakhoda Mosques, prayers mingled with the scent of kebabs and phirni, while streets sparkled with lights and Bengali sweets like rosogolla joined the feast. In Jharkhand, Ranchi and Jamshedpur juggled Eid with Sarhul and Ram Navami, drones buzzing overhead and medics on standby—a pragmatic nod to communal coexistence.
Newspapers listed Namaz timings for cities like Delhi and Bengaluru, and the stock market’s closure freed the nation to soak in the moment.
Solidarity in Bloom
Jaipur delivered a poignant scene: Hindu men in saffron scarves, under the Hindu Muslim Unity Committee, rained flower petals on Muslims at an Eidgah along the Jaipur-Delhi road. A viral video caught kids and elders alike delighting in the shower, an onlooker calling it “brotherhood beyond borders.” In Delhi, the Indian Minorities Federation’s multifaith gathering at Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah marked Ramadan’s end with a cross-faith embrace, a quiet milestone in India’s pluralistic story.
Voices of Influence
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chimed in: “May this blessed day bring joy, prosperity, and unity,” his words rippling from New Delhi to remote villages. Bollywood stars sprinkled stardust on the day. Priyanka Chopra tweeted, “Eid Mubarak 2025! Love, peace, and happiness to all,” echoed by Sonam and Arjun Kapoor.
Life Beyond the Prayers
Eid’s heartbeat extended past worship. Social media showcased hennaed hands at Eidgahs, a tradition of artistry and joy. In Kolkata, Zakat al-Fitr charity—grains for the needy—kept inclusion alive, while markets thrived despite the stock exchange’s pause.
A Nation United
Eid-ul-Fitr 2025 passed without incident, a quiet victory for India’s ability to blend its vast differences. From Jaipur’s floral gestures to Jharkhand’s multi-festival watch, from Lucknow’s global prayers to Kolkata’s culinary crossroads, the day reflected a nation rooted in respect and love.
