Thousands of Muslims gathered at the Idgah Grounds in Madurai on Thursday to offer special prayers in view of Bakrid or Eid-Ul-Adha, marking the spirit of sacrifice.

People gathered in large numbers for the special prayers in the idgahs and mosques across Madurai district, including places such as Goripalayam, Munichalai, K. Pudur, Mattuthavani, S.S. Colony, Bibikulam, Othakadai, Nelpettai, Therkuvasal, Tamukkam, Kazimar street and other places. Special prayers and exchange of gifts marked the festival of sacrifice.

Government Kazi of Madurai A. Syed Khaja Mueenudeen said the festival of sacrifice was celebrated in a grand manner. Goats and sheep were sacrificed as part of the Bakrid celebrations. People shared the meat with their family, relatives, friends and the poor.

People divide the meat into three portions and share it with their family, relatives and friends and the poor and the needy people. People share meat with friends and the poor as per tradition to maintain the spirit of togetherness, he said.

People said the meat is exchanged between friends and relatives in order to strengthen the bond between them and to settle any misunderstandings. They also distributed a portion of the meat to the needy people as per tradition, they said. They came together and celebrated the festival, they said.