Abu Dhabi marks Eid Al Adha with sacrifice and prayers

Abu Dhabi - The afternoons saw family get together over feast.

Believers in their thousands marked Eid al Adha on Friday with animal sacrifices and prayers.
The day started with prayers at mosques across the Capital. People greeted each other with 'Eid Mubarak'.
There after it was time for sacrifice and Mina Meat Market was a busy place.
Imran Khan, a resident, was among the many who distributed meat to blue-collared workers.
"Eid is a festival to share and care for others. This is a special day for Muslims. For me this is Bakrid.
And any well off man should see to it that a poor isn't left unfed," Khan said after purchasing meat from the market. "This is our religious custom."
The afternoons saw family get together over feast.
Naseer Aziz, a chef, prepared biryani for his roommates.
"I always cook for others but today our restaurant is shut and I got an opportunity to serve my mates.
These are not just my roommates but family away from my actual family," Aziz said.
The festival was celebrated by non-Muslims too with equal fervour.
"We had a lunch get together of friends and family. The party continued at Marina Mall. These are the few days of holidays which will help us to be relaxed. Otherwise it's too much of work. It's important that we teach our children to celebrate each festival," Vishal Pandey, a marketing manager at a private firm, said.
Then there were people like Ahmed Jefrrey who left for Muscat to enjoy rest of the days.
"It was long planned trip. My relative flew down here for last Eid and now we will be there in Oman," Jefrrey said. "I like the quietness of Muscat. It's very relaxing too."
The day also saw social and cultural associations hold programmes.
The Indian Social and Cultural Centre held musical show 'Eid Mehfil'. The celebrations will be followed with a biryani feast on Saturday. Similar activities marked the festivities at Indian Islamic Centre.
Malls too held many programmes to keep up the festive spirit and by the evening each centre was buzzing with people. Activities at all malls will continue till Sunday.
- ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi