RAWALPINDI:The residents of the garrison city celebrated Eidul Fitr with religious fervoramidst tight security.

The mosques across the citywere decorated on the Eid and big congregations were also arranged.

However, the rain on first day of the Eid disturbed the Eid prayer arrangements at open places and grounds.

However, the administration of the mosques and Imabargahs had made alternative arrangements.

In the Eid sermons, the prayer leaders and religious scholars urged people to follow the message of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) and work for peace in the world and the country.

They prayed for unity and prosperity of Ummah.

After the Eid, the resident thronged to graveyards to offer prayers for the departed souls of their dear ones.

Florists had set up their stalls around all the 36 big and small graveyards in the twin cities to facilitate the people who visited graveyards.

The sale of rose petals and merry gold was on the rise in the twin cities as the people prefer to decorate the graves of their near and dear ones with rose petals on the occasion ofEidulFitr.

In some places in the garrison city, small Eid Melas were arranged. Many children enjoyed swings, while others rode horses as well as camels that had been brought especially for the occasion.

The rush was witnessed in the city cinema houses, restaurants, Cafe and parks especially Jinnah Park on Airport Road where Cinepax Cinema and Macdonald’s and at Bahria Town where Cine Gold and Arena cinema houses were located.

The city parks including Race Course, Shamsabad andAyub National Parkwitnessed rush of the peoplewho spent evenings in the parks with their families.

Meanwhile, Punjab Caretaker Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare Dr. Jamal Nasiralong with Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema visited Holy Family Hospital, Social Service department’s orphanage and old home for senior citizens.

Later, Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema visited Adiala Jail and distributed sweets among the jail inmates.

They also visited Sponsor an Orphan (SoS) Village — an orphanage- and distributed Eid gifts among the children.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2023