Lucknow, Dec 6 : As a mark of protest against the Mumbai terror attacks, Muslims here have decided to tone down celebrations on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.

Muslim organizations and bodies have urged the Muslims to observe Eid-ul-Azha that falls on December 9 this year.

Denouncing the Mumbai attacks, the Muslim clerics have asked people to take part in sermons ahead of the festive prayer offerings.

Muslim devouts would also be encouraged to take part in special prayer sessions for the protection of the country from terror acts.

Though the clerics have asked the Muslims to carry out all rites and rituals, lavish feasting is being discouraged.

"Eid should be celebrated in a very sober manner. The ceremonial lectures that are given before the Namaz should condemn terrorism. Special prayers should be offered after Namaz prayers to help the country root out terrorism from the nation and for the establishment of communal harmony. People can carry out their traditional rituals, but there should not be any elaborate feasting. All this is to send a message across to the families of those killed in the Mumbai terror attacks. They should feel that the entire nation and people of all religions are with them in these difficult times," said Mulana Khalid Rasheed, a Muslim cleric.

Observing that the recent attacks had aimed at hitting the tourism sector in India and spreading communal disharmony, Muslim intellectuals have asked the entire country to unite against the elements of terrorism.

Residents said that they can''t be a part of extravagant celebrations when their brothers and sisters are still mourning the death of their near and dear ones.

"So much is going on in the country. So many terror attacks. How can the atmosphere of celebration prevail," said Haneef Naqvi, a resident.

Many also said that they would make sure that all the efforts by the militant groups to bring about a communal divide in the Indian society should be thwarted. (ANI)