With inputs from I G Bhatkali / SO News Service

Bhatkal, Uttar Kannada, Jan 4: The annual season of Hajj is now under way. Every Muslim who is financially able to do so is obliged under the Holy Qur'an to make the pilgrimage to Mecca during Hajj at least once in his or her lifetime.

The season culminates on 'EId-ul Azha', the festival of sacrifice, which falls on Monday, January 10 this and continues until January 13.

The Qazi of Bhatkal confirmed that Moon was sighted on December 31 and therefore the Eid-ul Azha will be on January 10.  Eid celebrations in Bhatkal are going on with great fervour. The affluent class is busy buying animals for sacrificing.

The Eid prayer will be held at Eidgah and assistant Qazi of Markazi Khaleefa Jamatul Muslimeen Bhatkal and Khateeb of Khaleefa Jamia Masjid, Moulana Khaja Moinuddin Akrami Madani will lead the prayer and give sermon.

The arduous annual Hajj pilgrimage takes place this year against the background of the continuing war in Iraq and the increasing militancy on the part of the Islamic extremist groups against broader interests of the West, particularly of the United States.