People throng cemeteries in capital

Islamabad: As a religious ritual, people went to local graveyards during Eid holidays in large numbers to pay respects to their departed relatives.

Among the cemeteries, which attracted large crowds, were those of H-8, H-11 and Golra in Islamabad and of New Katarian, Dhoke Ratta, Asghar Mall and Bakra Mandi in Rawalpindi. The visitors swept and moistened graves, sprinkled rose petals and scented water over them, lit incense sticks atop, and pulled weeds out of the surroundings. Repairs to broken graves were also done.

They later offered feteha and recited verses from the Holy Quran to seek salvation of the dead from the Almighty Allah. The cemeteries were mostly visited by men and children. However, some women were also seen.

Some visitors got so emotional that they cried aloud remembering the dear departed, while others sobbed uncontrollably with those accompanying them comforting them. Sellers of flowers, especially roses and rose petals, reported high sales during Eid days. However, visitors complained florists made unfairly large profits at will. Philanthropists served food and sherbet to visitors outside graveyards.