PESHAWAR, Dec 5: The Afghan refugees here and in other parts of the province celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr on Thursday.

The Afghans offered Eid prayers in dozens of mosques in areas where majority  of the refugees are living. The main congregation was held at an open place at Katcha Garhi refugee camp, where more than 15,000 Afghans offered Eid prayers.

Despite living here for the last 23 years, the refugees have  been celebrating Eid with the people of Saudi Arabia. This year, the Saudi government celebrated Eid after 29 days of fasting on Thursday.

Afghan refugees after the prayers thronged Bagh-i-Naran and Tatara Park with their families to enjoy the Eid festivities. They visited each other’s residences to exchange greetings.

The areas dominated by Afghans, including Hayatabad, Arbab  Road, Jehangirabad, Afghan Colony, Tehkal and Shaheen Town, were bustling with activity.

Meanwhile, the city youth, ahead of the Ruet-i-Hilal committee’s announcement of sighting of the Shawal moon, opened intense  aerial firing in celebration. The district government had banned the use of firecrackers.

Several  people claimed sighting the moon.

After the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal having formed the government, this was the first time that the people gave less importance to the local  Ruet-i-Hilal committee.