People celebrate Eid-ul-Azha, offer special prayers at mosques across the nation

New Delhi: The festival of Eid-ul-Azha also know as 'Bakr Eid' is being celebrated by Muslims all across the country on Monday. Along with sacrificing animals, people in large number were seen offering special prayers at mosques on this occasion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee greeted the country on the eve of Bakr Eid. Mukherjee said in a statement "I convey greetings and best wishes to all fellow citizens, especially my Muslim brothers and sisters," the President said in a statement.'

He further added that Eid-ul-Azha symbolises sacrifice, faith and devotion.

Modi wished people on Twitter and wrote "Best wishes on Eid-ul-Zuha. May this festival strengthen the spirit of harmony and compassion in society." The Jama Masjid in Chandni Chowk area was jam packed with people offering prayers on Monday.

The security arrangements were also increased in the capital ahead of the celebrations. Eid-ul-Azha honors the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of submission to command of God.

However, the God then intervened to provide Abraham with a lamb instead to sacrifice. Thus, animals are sacrificed on the eve and the meat is distributed into 3 parts. One part id for friends, family, the other for relatives. The third part is divided among poor and needy.