India celebrated Eid-ul-Adha, the festival of sacrifice, on Saturday, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The country woke up to the sound of devotees offering prayers at mosques to mark the second most important festival of Islam.

With the COVID-19 lockdown eased and places of worship opening, Muslims visited mosques and offered prayers while taking preventive measures like wearing masks and maintaining social distance.

Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, wished citizens on the occasion. “Eid Mubarak! Greetings on Eid al-Adha. May this day inspire us to create a just, harmonious and inclusive society. May the spirit of brotherhood and compassion be furthered,” he wrote on Twitter.

President Ram Nath Kovind also extended his wishes to the devotees while reiterating the importance of taking preventive measures during the pandemic. Taking to Twitter, he wrote, “Eid Mubarak! Idu’l Zuha symbolises the spirit of sacrifice and amity which inspires us to work for the well-being of one and all. On this occasion, let us share our happiness with the needy and follow social distancing norms and guidelines to contain COVID-19 spread.”

In Delhi’s Jama Masjid, devotees offered namaz and exchanged wishes later. Social distancing was maintained as much as possible.

In Rajasthan, Congress MLAs Congress MLAs Amin Khan, Amin Kagzi, Hakam Ali and others offered prayers at a hotel in Jaisalmer.

Shahnawaz Hussain, former Union Minister and BJP leader celebrated Eid at his residence.

Eid-ul-Adha, or Bakrid, is the festival of sacrifice that marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. The festival falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month in the Islamic calendar and is celebrated by sacrificing an animal to prove love and devotion to Allah. The offering, usually a goat or a sheep, is then distributed among friends, family and the poor.