Srinagar, Oct 1 Muslims in Kashmir are celebrating Eid with religious fervor on Wednesday.

Thousands of devotees gathered at the Eidgah in downtown Srinagar, and offered special prayers marking end of the fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.

Similar prayers were held in mosques and Eidgahs across Kashmir valley.

"All of us have come here to offer our special prayers today on Eid. On this occasion, we pray that the Almighty bless us with happiness and success," said Rafiq Ahmed, a resident.

Muslims in other parts of the country will celebrate the festival on Thursday in accordance with the announcement made by Syed Ahmed Bukhari, the chief cleric of Delhi's Jama Mosque.

Religious scholars insist that an Islamic month begins with the actual sighting of the moon. Those who sight the 'Shawwal' moon first, celebrate Eid ahead of those who do not. Eid marks the first day of the Islamic calendar's month of 'Shawwal'.

The celebrations have already begun in several parts of the globe as the moon-sighting committees in different countries declared sighting of the moon on Tuesday heralding the much-awaited celebrations.

Pakistan is also celebrating Eid today.

In Arabic "Eid" means "festivity" and "Fitr" to break a fast. The day before Eid-ul-Fitr families donate food items to the less well off. The donation is known as "Sadaqah al-Fitr" or charity of fast-breaking.

On Eid day, families typically start the day early, eat a small meal before attending special prayers, and then go on to feast at friends or relatives' houses.

It is also a day for asking for forgiveness and visiting graves. (ANI)