The Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the greatest religious festivals of the Muslims, is being celebrated across the country today amid due solemnity, fervor and gaiety as the holy Ramadan, the month of fasting and abstinence, came to an end.
The very auspicious occasion began with sighting of the Shawwal moon of 1445 Hijri last evening and reached the climax this morning amid offering the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers by millions from all strata of life at mosques, Eidgahs and makeshift prayer venues in Dhaka and elsewhere across the country.
During munajats after Eid congregations (jamaats), the Muslims also prayed for divine blessings to help strengthen national unity against all odds and destructive activities.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted the countrymen as well as the Muslims across the world on occasion of the holy Eid-ul-Fitr.
The country’s main Eid jamaat (congregation) in the capital was held at the National Eidgah on Bangladesh High Court premises at 8.30 am.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin offered Eid-ul-Fitr prayers along with hundreds of people from all walks of life at the National Eidgah.
Chief justice, cabinet members, judges of the Supreme Court, members of parliament, senior political leaders, diplomats and high civil and military officials also offered prayers at the main Eid congregation.
Khatib of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque Hafez Mawlana Mufti Ruhul Amin conducted the Eid prayers.
Another congregation of the holy Eid-ul-Fitr prayers was held at 8:30 am at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) on the Eid day.
Besides, five Eid congregations were held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 7:00am, 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am and 10:45am.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has taken five-tier security measures to ensure law and order during Eid-ul-Fitr.
Eid-ul-Fitr is an Arabic word meaning “festival of breaking of the fast”.
The festival marks the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk during the holy month.
On the Eid day morning, usually, Muslim devotees gather at mosques and prayer venues to perform Eid prayers and greet each other.
The festival is celebrated by visiting residences of friends and relatives, hosting food parties and sharing sweets.
Children not only get new clothes and shoes, but also receive cash gifts called “Salami” from their elders, relatives and well-wishers.
The occasion is seen as a time of forgiveness and giving thanks to Allah for helping people to complete their month-long spiritual fasting.
Many Muslims distribute cash and food to the less fortunate ones.
Divisional, district and upazila administrations and local government bodies have taken preparations in their respective areas to observe the Eid-ul-Fitr.
City corporations have kept open the children parks, allowing free entry of all visitors on the occasion of Eid.
Eid-ul-Fitr is also being observed in Bangladesh missions abroad too in a befitting manner.
The government has chalked out elaborate programmes to celebrate the holy Eid-ul-Fitr with due respect and religious fervour.
Important traffic islands and light posts in Dhaka city have also been decorated with miniature national flags and flags inscribed with “Eid Mubarak”.
Besides, designated government offices and other establishments have been illuminated.
Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private television channels have arranged special programmes while newspapers already published supplements on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Improved diets are being served to hospitals, jails and orphanages.
The government already declared a four-day public holiday that began on Wednesday.