Team Herald
MARGAO: Eid ul Fitr was celebrated with great solemnity in Margao on Saturday with Muslims visiting mosques in the morning to offer namaz and later visiting friends and family members to exchange greetings. Portions of biryani and meat along with a sweet kheer were also exchanged.
In the past Margao markets which are mostly run by Muslims used to wear a deserted look during the festivals celebrated by Muslims like Eid ul Fotr. However, this year all the markets were functioning although there were quite a few who did not open their shops/stalls.
The fruit and vegetable market at SGPDA market Margao had many of the stalls open including those run by Muslims. A few Muslims did not open their stalls. “We have suffered quite a bit this year first because of demonitisation and now because of price rise and hence we cannot afford to take any breaks,” said a fruit vendor.
Surprisingly, all the meat shops run by Muslims with the exception of a couple of beef stalls and a few mutton shops, were all open and doing business as is normal. “Tomorrow is Sunday and many Christians come to buy their beef on Saturday that is why we are open today,” said Bepari, a meat vendor.
Although the fish market was open as usual, business was slack as the fish cleaners or cutters were very few. Many of them being Muslims took an off as they had to visit the mosque in the morning and also because it was a festival.
In the evening large number of Muslims from Margao and neighbouring villages of Salcete descended on the Margao Municipal Council garden which was packed with them. They were seen seated on the lawns as families and friends greeted each other.
Gaiety was present everywhere at the MMC garden as the Muslim brethren relaxed and enjoyed their festival with many of them posing for selfies,
