The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi and Eid-ul-Fitr is being celebrated on Saturday with traditional fervor and religious devotion.
In Mumbai, the chants of "Ganpati bappa moraya" could be heard from every nook and corner of the city. Also known as Vinayak Chaturthi, this festival is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha.
Shops in the city are overcrowded with people buying items associated with the festival. People are also opting for eco-friendly idols, keeping concerns for the environment in mind.
Meanwhile, security in the city has been beefed up keeping in mind the rush of devotees during the festival.
On Friday, Mumbai Police released pictures of two foreign terror suspects, who may disrupt celebrations at religious places. Advisories have been issued to citizens to be on alert during the festive season.
Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh and New Delhi, Muslims dressed in their best, have started thronging different Eidgahs, shrines and mosques to offer special Eid prayers to mark the end of the fasting month of Ramzan.
Eidgah, famous mosques and Muslims houses have been neatly decorated for the occasion.
Ramzan is observed during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. In Tamil Nadu Vinayaka Chaturthy was celebrated with religious fervour. People offered prayers to the God of knowledge and remover of obstacles and offered him 'kozhukattai', a sweet south Indian dish. Vinayaka idols made of clay and decorated with garlands and adorned by colourful umbrellas were a common sight in many a household.
Large idols of Lord Ganesha were installed in many places in the city and its suburbs which would be immersed in the sea after week-long celebrations. Police have demarcated specific places for idol immersion. Opposition Leader, Ms Jayalalithaa and the state BJP president, Mr Pon Radhakrishnan, had greeted people on the occasion and wished all-round prosperity and wellness. In Puducherry, people celebrated Vinayaka Chaturthi with religious fervour.