The holy festival of Eid-ul-Zuha is being celebrated across Odisha as thousands of Muslim devotees gathered at mosques on Thursday morning to offer special prayers and celebrate the occasion with religious fervour and enthusiasm.

From early morning, large crowds of devotees were seen assembling at various mosques across cities and towns for mass namaz. Special prayer arrangements were made at major mosques while people dressed in new clothes exchanged Eid greetings with one another after offering prayers.

Special prayers held at major mosques

Special Eid-ul-Zuha prayers were organised at prominent mosques in several places including Cuttack and Bhubaneswar where devotees gathered in large numbers from early morning hours.

Mosque committees had made elaborate arrangements for smooth conduct of the prayers, including drinking water, crowd management and other facilities for worshippers.

Families and children were also seen participating in the celebrations as the festival atmosphere spread across different localities.

Tight security arrangements across sensitive areas

Meanwhile, extensive security arrangements have been made by police and administration to ensure peaceful celebration of the festival.

Armed police personnel have been deployed at major mosques and sensitive areas to prevent any untoward incident during the celebrations.

In Cuttack, Commissionerate Police had conducted flag marches in different police station areas on Friday ahead of the festival as part of preventive security measures.

Police teams have intensified patrolling while surveillance has also been strengthened in crowded and sensitive localities.

Administration appeals for peaceful celebration

Officials said all necessary measures have been taken to maintain law and order and ensure smooth observance of the festival across the state.

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Police and administration have appealed to people to celebrate the festival peacefully and maintain communal harmony.

Eid-ul-Zuha, also known as Bakrid, is one of the most significant festivals observed by the Muslim community and symbolises sacrifice, faith and devotion.