ISLAMABAD, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- Eid-ul-Fitr is being celebrated throughout Pakistan Monday with great religious fervour and festivity, marking the culmination of the holy month of Ramazan, the official news agency APP reported.

    Big Eid congregations are held across the country with special arrangements made to offer Eid prayer. In the twin cities of Rawalpindi and capital city of Islamabad, the Eid congregations have been held at more than 300 places.

    In Islamabad, the biggest congregation was held at the grand Faisal Mosque, where the high-ups of the government offered Eid prayers. In Rawalpindi, the biggest Eid congregation was held at the historic Liaquat Bagh.

    Following the Eid prayers, Muslims spend their time feasting with family and friends and feeding those who are less fortunate. Sweets and other special dishes have been prepared for serving the guests. People also exchange gifts on the occasion.

    The government has declared Eid holidays from Sept. 21 to 23 and paid advanced salaries to employees for enabling them to meet their Eid expenses.

    On this occasion, Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited has also offered a special package on Eid days to encourage people to exchange Eid greetings with their near and dear ones.

    The Radio and Television channels have chalked out a series of special programmes on the occasion of Eid while newspapers will publish special supplements, highlighting the significance of the day.

    Immediately after the announcement that the Shawwal moon has been sighted previous night, a wave of happiness surged through the masses. People swarmed the markets and Eid bazaars for shopping and women crowded the beauty parlours and shops, selling bangles and mehndi.

    Till late night people were busy in shopping in the markets. Meanwhile foolproof security measures have been adopted on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. Policemen have been deputed outside mosques, bazaars, shopping centres and sensitive public and private buildings.

    Pakistani authorities said that they have further beefed up security across the country to avert any unpleasant incident on the occasion of Eid ul-Fitr festival.

Special Report: Pakistani Situation