New Delhi: Lakhs of devout Muslims on February 12 gathered in mosques to offer prayers on the occasion of Id-ul-Zuha that was celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety across the country.

While President A P J Abdul Kalam offered his namaz at a mosque inside the Rashtrapati Bhavan, over two lakh faithful including some foreign diplomats offered prayers at the Fatehpuri mosque in the capital to mark Islam's festival of sacrifice in the morning.

Leading the prayers, Shahi Imam Mufti Mohammed Mukkarram observed that Islam flourished for its principles of social justice, mutual love and brotherhood and peaceful coexistence and added that communal forces will never succeed in India where "all religions are equally respected".

In Ahmedabad, thousands of Muslims offered namaz at the famous Juma Masjid on February 12 morning even as tight security was maintained at mosques including the Shah-e-Alam Roza and Sarkhej Roza in the city.

No untoward incident was reported from any part of the city, police said, adding most business establishments in the walled city area were closed for the festival.

In Jammu, Governor G C Saxena and Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed extended greetings to the people to mark the occasion.

Sayeed expressed the hope that the day would be harbinger of peace, progress and prosperity for the state.

Id-ul-Zuha is celebrated to mark the highest example of sacrifice and submission to will of God by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Prophet Ismail.

PTI