Indian ambassador Sanjiv Arora has conveyed Eid al-Fitr greetings to the people of Qatar and the Indian community in the country.
“My family and colleagues join me in conveying our warm greetings and best wishes to everyone, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters, on the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Fitr,” the envoy said in a statement yesterday.
Arora said India is a multi-religious, multi-cultural and multi-lingual country. Over 170mn Indians are Muslims, representing 14.2% of India’s population of over 1.2bn.
“Eid al-Fitr is a major festival of India, and is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. Eid prayers are held at mosques across the length and breadth of the country.
“Eid Milan gatherings are ‘Open House’ events for families and friends to get together and exchange Eid greetings by hugging one another. Traditional food delicacies, including sweets such as sewain, are served.
“Elders shower their affection and blessings on children who are dressed in colourful attires and receive Eidi (usually a token monetary present on Eid).
“By celebrating the festivals of India, we celebrate India’s rich civilisational and cultural ethos, her pluralism and her unity in diversity.
“We look forward to joining the festivities and celebrations of Eid al-Fitr,” Arora said.