President, PM greet nation ahead of Id-ul Zuha

President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today greeted the nation ahead of the auspicious occasion of Id-ul-Zuha, which will be celebrated on Friday.

In her message, President Patil said, "I extend my greetings and good wishes to all my fellow countrymen. Let us on this day remind ourselves of the spirit of service and sacrifice associated with this festival and motivate ourselves to work towards progress and prosperity of the nation".

Dr. Singh said that the festival commemorates the spirit of supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim. This selfless sacrifice is an inspiring example of subordinating self-interest to the greater good of humanity.

“On this occasion, I call upon the Nation to reaffirm this commitment towards uplift of the poor, the needy and the underprivileged”, Dr. Singh added.

The Prime Minister expressed hope that Id-ul-Zuha further strengthens the cultural bonds of our country and ushers in joy and prosperity for all.
 
Eid-ul-Zuha or Baqr-e-Eid is a Muslim festival that marks the end of the Haj.

Muslims sacrifice the goats and distribute its meat among family, friends and the poor.

Muslims believe a sacrificed goat is a reflection of one's own spiritual sacrifice, and see it as essential for achieving communion with Allah.

For Muslims, Eid-ul-Zuha is a time to offer the perfect goat to the Prophet. (ANI)