GEORGE TOWN: Thousands of Muslims gathered at the State Mosque here this morning to perform the Aidilfitri prayers on the first day of Syawal.
Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak led the congregation to recite special prayers.
He was joined by Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, State Secretary Datuk Rosli Isa and Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor.
The Aidilfitri prayers and sermon were led by State Mosque Imam Besar Datuk Mohd Nordin Samah.
After prayers, Ahmad Fuzi exchanged Hari Raya greetings with the congregations, who also included foreigners.
Omar Nader Ali, 13, from Egypt, who is here on a holiday with his family, said he enjoyed the Hari Raya celebration.
"Everyone is so friendly and we managed to exchange greetings with one another.
"I just feel so happy," he told the New Straits Times.
Omar, who has been in the state for four days, said he simply loved Penang.
"You have many, many things here. I enjoyed the beach, the heritage, the hill, everything," he added.
Syed Abdullah Syed Zain Al Shared, 43, from Penang, said celebrating Hari Raya in Malaysia all these years had been peaceful, harmonious and joyful.
"My wish this Hari Raya is that the economy will continue to grow this year so that the people can continue to enjoy quality of life.
"I also wish for political stability so that we can all continue to live as one big family," the lorry driver said.
Muslims also flocked to other mosques for prayers and thanksgiving, decked in colourful Raya clothes.
Others took opportunity to visit relatives and enjoy Raya dishes.
Many also visited the graves of their loved ones to pay their respects.