Eid-ul-Azha is being celebrated across the country today as Muslims offer special prayers in Eidgahs and mosques as well as sacrifice animals, and markets are all decked up for the occasion.

Eid-ul-Azha commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah.

President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh greeted the people, saying it is an occasion to remind ourselves of the path of selfless sacrifice and forgiveness.

“May this festival spread peace and harmony and bring prosperity to all,” Dr. Singh said in his message.

The Prime Minister said the festival is an occasion to reaffirm our faith in the unity of humanity and to be charitable towards the disadvantaged and the needy.

The President hoped that the festival will knit the people of India “in a celebration of our composite culture”.

“On the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all fellow citizens and, in particular, to my Muslim brothers and sisters,” he said.

The spirit of sacrifice and service is the essence of the festival. It is an occasion to remind ourselves of the path of selfless sacrifice and forgiveness followed by Hazrat Ibrahim and to emulate the same, he added.

“We must derive inspiration from the observance of this day and strive to foster universal brotherhood. On the occasion, let us remind ourselves of the unity of mankind and resolve to strive for communal harmony and peace,” he said.

Dr. Ansari said the festival celebrates the treasured ideals of compassion, sharing and sacrifice.

“Let us observe this joyous occasion by spreading the message of peace, harmony and goodwill in our midst,” he said.

Celebrating the festival, Muslims wear new clothes and sacrifice sheep or goat. The meat is then distributed to family members, neighbours and the poor.