RIYADH/MUMBAI: Eid Al-Fitr was celebrated with zeal and fervor in Middle East on Friday, and in South Asia on Saturday with nationals and expatriates seen exchanging greetings and children being blessed and presented with gifts.

The Eid prayers were offered early in the morning at designated mosques and grounds with special arrangements, including improvised partitions for women.

The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee has greeted fellow citizens on the eve of Idu’l Fitr.  In his message the President has said, “On the joyous occasion of Idu’l Fitr, I convey warm greetings and good wishes to my fellow citizens, particularly to all Muslim brothers and sisters. May this auspicious day reinforce in each one of us the spirit of generosity and compassion. Let us on this day forgive and forget our differences. May Idu’l Fitr unite people of all faiths in harmony, solidarity and brotherhood and re-affirm our pride in the composite culture of our great nation”.

In his heartiest greetings The Vice President of India M. Hamid Ansari  s aid“I convey my heartiest greetings and good wishes to the citizen of our country on the joyous occasion of Id-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of holy month of Ramzan. This festival signifies the traditional expression of brotherhood and understanding between people and reaffirms the spirit of compassion, charity and generosity. May the noble ideals that mark Id-ul-Fitr enrich our lives with peace, prosperity and harmony and unite us all in the spirit of humanity.”

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar congratulated the people on the occasion of Eid, praying that Almighty Allah accept their fasting and night prayers.

The prince also received a number of princes, scholars, senior civil and security officials and citizens who came to greet him. He also visited patients in the hospital and wished them speedy recovery, joy and peace.

According to Riyadh municipality four locations including Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in Malaz district and King Fahd International Stadium in Naseem district have been selected to welcome the much awaited festival with dazzling fireworks display starting at 11:15 pm.

The spectacular firework show arranged geographically across the city will continue for three days.

A huge number of Saudis and expatriates have also planned to use the week-long holiday for the private sector and 12-day break for the public sector to head for their favorite destinations in the Kingdom and abroad.

Many of them said they were heading for the picturesque hill station of Abha and the resort city of Taif, while others were heading for local destinations developed by the the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH).