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Special prayers from the crack of dawn, offerings and opening of the 'Jannati Darwaja' at the famous Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti's dargah at Ajmer marked the Id-ul-Zuha festivities across the country on Monday.
Hundreds of devotees flocked to Ajmer to pass through the 'Jannati Darwaja' or gate of paradise at the dargah.
A black velvet chadar brought from Mecca was offered by Khadims at the tomb of the Sufi saint early in the morning.
At Wagah, Pakistani Rangers offered sweets to Border Security Force personnel as officials on both sides shook hands at the Zero Line on the International Border.
Prayers followed by scenes of devotees locked in warm embrace were seen all over the country.
In the national capital men, women and children dressed in their dazzling best made a beeline to the historic Jama Masjid in the walled city to offer prayers.
Pre-dominantly Muslim inhabited areas such as Chandni Chowk and North East Delhi wore a festive look and people were seen buying sweets and other items from gaily decorated shops.
At several homes, the festival was marked with the sacrifice of a lamb or goat.
The festival commemorates the occasion, according to the Holy Book, when Prophet Abraham was put to the test and asked to sacrifice his only son, Ismail. When the Prophet agreed, the Almighty asked him to sacrifice a goat instead.
In Kashmir the festivities were marred by the killing DIG, police, Mohammed Amin Bhat in the compound of a mosque after the Eid prayers.