Dhaka, Sept 21 (UNB) - Muslims across the country on Monday celebrated the holy Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the biggest religious festivals, amidst enthusiasm, religious fervour and fanfare.

With the spirit of unity, fraternity and equality, the rich and the poor offered Eid prayers and embraced each other. They visited the houses of relatives and friends exchanging greetings amidst a festive mood.

President Zillur Rahman offered his Eid prayer at the National Eidgah praying for peace and progress of the countrymen and solidarity of the Muslim ummah.

Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque Maulana Mohammad Salahuddin led the main Eid congregation at Ntional Eidgah at 9 am.

The largest Eid congregation of the country was held at Solakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj. Though morning rains caused some inconveniences for Muslim devotees at some places, it did not affect the mirth and joy of the eid.

The Special Security Force, intelligence agencies, police and plainclothes put up security around the main eid congregations where government leaders and other important personalities joined the ordinary people to perform the eid rituals.

President Zillur Rahman hosted Eid reception at Bangabhaban and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Ganobhaban exchanging greetings with foreign diplomats, elite and cross-section of the people.

People by their tens and thousands have already left the capital for their village homes to celebrate the Eid with their loved ones.

On the holy occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, special diets were served in hospitals, jails, government-run children and shelter homes, homes for the socially handicapped and vagrant welfare centres.

The national flag was hoisted atop government and non-government offices. Main city streets were decorated with flags inscribed with 'Eid Mubarak' in Bengali and Arabic.