
Eid-ul-Fitr celebrated across India with gaiety and fervour
New Delhi: Eid-ul-Fitr,a festival marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, was celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour across the country.
In New Delhi's Shah Jahani Masjid, people came out in large numbers to offer prayers. To boost the community bond, in Jaipur's Idgah Road Masjid, Hindu brethren showered flower petals and also offered beverages to devotees to quench their thirst, sending a clear message toall those trouble-makers that India is a united country and there is no rift in society.
In Kashmir's Hazrat Bal Dargah, more than 100,000 people offered prayers. Similarly, in Bhopal, having India's biggest Tajul Masjid, a larger number of devotees came to offer prayers in the morning. In Varanasi, Muslims hugged their Hindu counterparts after Eid prayers showcasing their love and brotherhood.
News of a larger number of people coming out for prayers came from cities like Patna, Meerut, Saharanpur, Hyderabad, Kanpur, Vadodara, Agra, and Ghaziabad. In Agra, Eid prayers were offered near the Taj Mahal, where many devotees gathered to pray for peace and unity. The prayers were followed by warm greetings among the community.
Around 50,000 people gathered at the Shahi Eidgah in Sambhal to offer Namaz on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Salman Khan's sister Arpita Khan threw an extravagant Eid celebration on Monday night.
The star-studded event, which blended both glamour and warmth, saw the presence of many Bollywood celebrities, including Sonakshi Sinha, Riteish Deshmukh, Bobby Deol, Jackie Shroff, Genelia Deshmukh, Sonali Bendre, Lulia Vantur, and others.
Family members, including Arbaaz Khan, Alvira Khan, and Aayush Sharma, also added a familial touch to the event. Bollywood couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan on Monday celebrated Eid.
The duo hosted a special lunch for their loved ones at their residence. Giving a sneak peek into Pataudi's Eid celebrations, Saif's sister Saba took to Instagram and shared adorable pictures.
Dressed in ethnic attire, the Patuadis looked extremely happy as they bonded over delicious food and non-stop "gupshup."In a historic display of inter-faith harmony, the Indian Minorities Federation (IMF) organised a Multifaith Sadbhawna Eid event at the revered Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ramzan.
Esteemed spiritual leaders from the Sikh, Christian, Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist communities came together to extendmessages of love, peace, and unity to the Muslim community.
The event celebrated the invaluable contributions of the Muslim community to India's remarkable development and saluted the spirit of patriotism and nationalism that unites every Indian.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Observer
03-06-2025
- Observer
Is the future of book reading at stake in the digital age?
The landscape of reading habits among students is undergoing a quiet transformation, and not necessarily for the better. With the availability of digital devices, traditional book reading is increasingly being sidelined — a shift that is deeply concerning for educators, book lovers and bookstore owners alike. One such voice of concern is a veteran bookshop owner in Salalah who runs three bookstores in the city. While once a thriving hub for curious minds, his stores now see more sales in toys, digital reading gadgets and educational kits than actual books. 'There is a slump in the book reading habit,' he said during a recent exhibition held at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah, aimed at reviving interest in books among students. 'But we should not surrender to the situation. We must continue to encourage young readers to take out time for real books.' Despite the general decline, he found solace in the efforts of some proactive parents who were seen guiding their children towards books, helping them choose titles that matched their interests. 'That kind of engagement gives us hope,' he added. Among the visitors was Aya al Naimi, an employee at a local company in Salalah. While admitting that her book purchases have significantly reduced, she fondly recalled her last buy — an Arabic title 'Alaqat Khatira' (Dangerous Relationships), which she bought two years ago. 'I still love reading, especially topics like mental health, stories and personality development,' she said. 'This exhibition has reignited my interest. I'm planning to return after Eid to pick up a few titles.' Aayush Mehul Khokhani, another visitor, echoed a similar sentiment but highlighted the practical constraints that prevent him from buying physical books. 'Life moves fast. Digital books are easier to carry during business trips and don't require space at home,' he explained. Vandana Jyotirmayee, an academic and passionate reader, takes immense pride in her personal collection of books. 'I read a lot. My books are my food for thought. They keep me rooted in culture, literature, poetry, music — everything that is soulful and creative,' she said. While the digital age has undeniably made information more accessible, it has also inadvertently distanced students from the tactile, immersive experience of reading physical books. The challenge, therefore, lies in striking a balance — blending the convenience of technology with the richness of traditional reading. Events like the exhibition in Salalah are a step in the right direction, offering a platform to reignite the joy of reading in young minds. As the bookshop owner rightly emphasised, the fight is not over — and neither is the story of books. Kaushalendra Singh @patkaushal The landscape of reading habits among students is undergoing a quiet transformation, and not necessarily for the better. With the availability of digital devices, traditional book reading is increasingly being sidelined — a shift that is deeply concerning for educators, book lovers and bookstore owners alike. One such voice of concern is a veteran bookshop owner in Salalah who runs three bookstores in the city. While once a thriving hub for curious minds, his stores now see more sales in toys, digital reading gadgets and educational kits than actual books. 'There is a slump in the book reading habit,' he said during a recent exhibition held at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah, aimed at reviving interest in books among students. 'But we should not surrender to the situation. We must continue to encourage young readers to take out time for real books.' Despite the general decline, he found solace in the efforts of some proactive parents who were seen guiding their children towards books, helping them choose titles that matched their interests. 'That kind of engagement gives us hope,' he added. Among the visitors was Aya al Naimi, an employee at a local company in Salalah. While admitting that her book purchases have significantly reduced, she fondly recalled her last buy — an Arabic title 'Alaqat Khatira' (Dangerous Relationships), which she bought two years ago. 'I still love reading, especially topics like mental health, stories and personality development,' she said. 'This exhibition has reignited my interest. I'm planning to return after Eid to pick up a few titles.' Aayush Mehul Khokhani, another visitor, echoed a similar sentiment but highlighted the practical constraints that prevent him from buying physical books. 'Life moves fast. Digital books are easier to carry during business trips and don't require space at home,' he explained. Vandana Jyotirmayee, an academic and passionate reader, takes immense pride in her personal collection of books. 'I read a lot. My books are my food for thought. They keep me rooted in culture, literature, poetry, music — everything that is soulful and creative,' she said. While the digital age has undeniably made information more accessible, it has also inadvertently distanced students from the tactile, immersive experience of reading physical books. The challenge, therefore, lies in striking a balance — blending the convenience of technology with the richness of traditional reading. Events like the exhibition in Salalah are a step in the right direction, offering a platform to reignite the joy of reading in young minds. As the bookshop owner rightly emphasised, the fight is not over — and neither is the story of books.


Muscat Daily
02-06-2025
- Muscat Daily
CELEBRATE EID AL ADHA WITH EXCLUSIVE OFFERINGS AT THE ST REGIS AL MOUJ MUSCAT RESORT
Muscat, June 2nd 2025 — The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort is set to celebrate Eid Al Adha with a collection of exclusive offerings designed to welcome the summer season in style and comfort. Renowned for its bespoke service complemented by timeless and elegant ambiance, the resort continues to be the best address for those seeking a refined escape along the Arabian Sea. The resort invites Omani nationals and local residents to indulge in a staycation that artfully balances relaxation and elegance amid the rising summer temperatures through a specially curated summer staycation offer, 'Rising Heat, Cool Retreat'. Guests can enjoy a stay in a Deluxe Room, available with options for single or double occupancy. Families are warmly welcomed, with children under 12 benefiting from complimentary breakfast and an extra bed at no additional charge. To enhance the sense of leisure, the resort also provides a complimentary late check-out until 8 PM, allowing guests to extend their time in the serene surroundings. Throughout the day, families are also invited to unwind by the pool, where curated amenities include playful floaters and beach toys for the little ones. A thoughtfully selected array of culinary offerings will be available throughout the day from gourmet hot dogs, artisanal pizzas, and shawarmas to fresh detox juices, popcorn, cotton candy, and handcrafted ice creams, ensuring indulgence for every member of the family. In addition to these experiences, The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort is preparing a range of culinary delights. At Zorba, guests can savor the traditional Greek delicacy 'Kleftiko Lamb' exclusively from June 6th to 9th, between 6:30 PM and 11:30 PM. This all-you-can-eat lamb kleftiko features slow-cooked lamb marinated in garlic and lemon, wrapped in parchment paper with vegetables for a tender and flavorful feast. Karibu offers a special Eid set menu which will be available in June from 5th to 7th, featuring a refined three-course meal. Beverages will be offered à-la-carte, while children may choose from the kids menu, ensuring a dining experience that caters to all ages and tastes. Additionally, the restaurant invites families to its 'Mommy and Me Masterclass' every Saturday in June from 4 PM to 5 PM. This hands-on session offers mothers and their little chefs the chance to bond over flour and fun, learning to mix, shape, and cook delicious flatbreads together—a joyful experience designed for making cherished memories. The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort remains dedicated to creating memorable experiences that combine the rich heritage of Oman with contemporary luxury. Complementing these offerings, the resort's Guerlain Spa offers signature packages designed to rejuvenate and pamper. The 'A Day for You' experience provides a personalized spa journey tailored to individual wellness needs, while the 'Pamper & Tea for Four' package invites small groups to enjoy luxurious treatments followed by a refined tea ceremony. These offerings reflect The St. Regis commitment to delivering exceptional moments of indulgence and tranquility.


Observer
08-05-2025
- Observer
Celebrating Omani Heritage Through Children's Stories
In an era where cultures blend seamlessly and the world increasingly shrinks into a global village, the importance of celebrating and preserving local identities has never been more vital. Nowhere is this more evident than in children's literature, a vibrant platform for showcasing a nation's heritage and customs. In recent years, Omani authors, illustrators, and cultural custodians have harnessed this potential, creating a captivating collection of short stories that serve as both entertainment and educational tools, revealing the rich tapestry of Oman's traditions and cultural identity. This collection—comprising three charming stories—is not merely a set of tales; it is a meticulous fusion of academic research, cultural preservation, and storytelling artistry. Funded by Sultan Qaboos University as part of a broader initiative, the project aims to document and immortalise Omani oral literature, folk songs, and traditional practices by translating them into engaging visual and written narratives. Through these stories, young readers are invited into a world where heritage is alive and thriving, fostering a sense of pride and connection with their ancestors' customs. The first story, 'Orsiyat Al-Eid,' transports children into the heart of Oman's celebratory cuisine. 'Orsiya' is a beloved traditional dish prepared on the night of Eid, consisting of fragrant, long-simmered rice coupled with tender, freshly slaughtered meat. As the tale unfolds, young readers are treated to a vivid journey through the process of preparing this festive meal, immersing themselves in the true spirit of Eid night. It's more than a culinary lesson; it's an authentic cultural experience. Children learn about traditional tools—like the humble 'mashkha' (clay pot)—and typical ingredients, all woven seamlessly into the narrative, encouraging them to understand and appreciate the culinary heritage that has been passed down through generations. The second story, 'Qaranqasho,' explores a celebration observed in select regions of Oman during the second half of Ramadan. This lively tale invites readers into the wardrobe of a young Omani child as she chooses her attire for the Qaranqasho night. Through her eyes, the story highlights a variety of traditional Omani dresses, each with its unique patterns, colours, and significance, all described using local terminology. The narrative culminates with a lively, old song sung during this special evening, one of the series' main objectives—capturing oral traditions and weaving them into a vibrant, readable story. By incorporating folk songs, the collection aims to keep alive the intangible heritage embedded in Oman's living traditions. The third story, 'Utlit Al-Qaith'—or 'The Summer Vacation' in English—delves into a nostalgic world of childhood summer adventures. Through evocative storytelling, it conjures images of carefree days spent on farms, surrounded by the sights and smells of Oman's tropical fruits—mangoes, lemons, dates—and lush pastures. The tale spans decades, capturing memories of a bygone era when summers were eagerly awaited, full of simple pleasures and community gatherings. The vividly described scenes allow young readers to 'feel' the warmth of the sun, smell the ripe fruit, and hear the laughter echoing across fields, transporting them to a timeless summer landscape. An essential feature of this collection is its use of British English, tailored to resonate with an international audience while maintaining cultural accuracy. Additionally, the stories incorporate a glossary of Omani dialect terms, providing explanations and definitions to deepen understanding and appreciation of the stories' cultural nuances. This approach not only enhances language skills but also promotes cross-cultural awareness among young readers. Beyond their role as engaging stories, these narratives serve as a vital bridge connecting generations. By blending research with storytelling, they become powerful tools for cultural transmission, ensuring that Oman's rich traditions, oral history, and folk customs are preserved and passed down in a format that captivates young minds. In a world increasingly influenced by global trends, localising content—adapting international storytelling styles to reflect distinctive national identities—is crucial. Oman, like many nations, participates actively in this process by weaving traditional elements into modern narratives, thereby asserting its cultural uniqueness on a global stage. International trends reflect a growing appreciation for localisation and cultural specificity in children's literature. Countries worldwide are recognising the importance of authentic storytelling that resonates deeply with local communities while appealing to global audiences. From Japan's focus on preserving regional dialects to Scandinavian countries' emphasis on folk tales in education, there is a clear movement towards making stories more meaningful and rooted in local culture. Oman's efforts in this direction are evident in how these stories feature traditional terms, recipes, songs, and customs, effectively 'localising' global storytelling methods to fit the cultural context. Oman's approach to globalisation — embracing international trends while preserving authentic cultural elements — exemplifies a balanced strategy. By participating in worldwide cultural exchanges and digital storytelling platforms, Oman enhances the visibility of its heritage, while internally reinforcing its unique identity through locally rooted narratives.