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Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the culmination of the fasting month of Ramzan of the Islamic calendar, is being celebrated with great fervor and gaiety throughout the country today. President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh have greeted the citizens of the country on the joyous occasion of Eid- ul-Fitr. President Mukherjee in his message said Eid- ul-Fitr marks the culmination of the period of fasting during the Holy month of Ramzan, which is a month of blessings and forgiveness. "The festival reminds us of our duties towards the poor and downtrodden as well as the need for charity and generosity towards all. May this auspicious day strengthen mutual goodwill and instill is us a sense of unity and pride in the composite culture of India ," he added. Vice President Ansari in his message said that this festival signifies the traditional expression of fraternity and brotherhood across the country and marks the culmination of the holy month of 'Ramzan'. I extend my greetings and good wishes to the citizens of our country on the joyous occasion of Eid- ul-Fitr. This festival signifies the traditional expression of fraternity and brotherhood across the country and marks the culmination of the holy month of 'Ramzan'," said Vice President Ansari. "May this festival unite all humanity in a common bond of understanding and inspire all to work tirelessly towards building a harmonious, peaceful and prosperous society," he added. The Prime Minister in his message said that the festival of Eid is an occasion for happiness and is marked by the spirit of brotherhood and sacrifice. "May Eid this year further strengthen our cultural bonds and bring peace and prosperity to all," he added. Meanwhile, security has been stepped up in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow city to avoid any untoward incident on this joyous occasion. Elaborate security arrangements have been made across the state for peaceful celebration of the festival. "This is for the first time that we have installed a large number of CCTVs across the city in order to stop unsocial elements from carrying out any untoward incidents. Other than this we have also made arrangements of mobile video cameras on a large scale that have been made available to administrative officials," said Lucknow Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Navneet Sikera. Members from the other communities are also thronging the Idgahs and mosques on this joyous occasion to greet their Muslim brothers.

Eid-ul-Fitr celebrated across India