Eid-ul-Azha celebrated with religious fervour, festive spirit
Staff Reporter :
Amid prayers, sacrifice, and the spirit of devotion, Eid-ul-Azha, one of the most sacred festivals in Islam, was celebrated with profound religious fervour and solemnity across the country on Saturday.
The festival, which marks an ancient act of submission and sacrifice, brought millions together in faith and festivity.
Observed on the 10th day of Zilhajj, the final month of the Islamic Hijri calendar, Eid-ul-Azha commemorates the supreme sacrifice of Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), who, in unwavering devotion to Almighty Allah, prepared to sacrifice his beloved son Hazrat Ismail (AS).
In a divine act of mercy, Allah spared Hazrat Ismail (AS) and replaced him with a ram, symbolizing the spirit of selflessness and submission that defines the festival.
As dawn broke across the country, the streets of Bangladesh echoed with the Takbir-proclamations glorifying Allah-as devout Muslims gathered at mosques, Eidgahs, and open fields to offer Eid prayers.
Following the prayers, special munajat (supplications) were offered, seeking peace, prosperity, and divine blessings for the nation and the greater Muslim Ummah.
The main congregation of Eid-ul-Azha took place at the Jatiya Eidgah on the High Court premises in Dhaka at 7:30am, attended by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Justice, senior judges, advisers, political leaders, foreign diplomats, and thousands of worshippers.
On this auspicious occasion, Professor Yunus extended heartfelt Eid greetings to the people of the country and Muslims worldwide.
Amid the festivities, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare urged citizens to remain cautious in light of a recent surge in Covid-19 cases. Worshippers were encouraged to wear masks and the elderly advised to avoid crowded places as a precaution.
As part of the celebration, Muslims across the country participated in the ritual animal sacrifice, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion. The slaughtering of cattle began soon after the prayers, with many planning to continue the sacrifice on the second day of Eid.
Families, friends, and neighbours gathered to share the sacrificial meat, reflecting the essence of compassion and community spirit that defines Eid-ul-Azha.
Five Eid congregations were held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, with the first prayer at 7:00am, followed by successive congregations until 10:45am. Special prayers were also held at Dhaka University’s central mosque, Masjidul Jamiya.
Large congregations outside the capital saw massive gatherings of worshippers. The country’s largest congregation was held at Dinajpur Gor-e-Shahid Eidgah at 8:30am, while the historic Sholakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj saw thousands gather at 9:00am for prayers.
In major cities across Bangladesh, Eid congregations were held in central locations: Chattogram: Jamiatul Falah National Mosque, 7:30am, Rajshahi: Hazrat Shah Makhdum (R) Central Eidgah, 7:30am, Khulna: Circuit House ground, 7:30am, Barishal: Hemayet Uddin Central Eidgah, 7:30am, Sylhet: Shahi Eidgah ground, 8:00am, Rangpur: Collectorate Eidgah, 8:00am, Mymensingh: Anjuman Eidgah, 7:30am To ensure cleanliness following the sacrifices, Dhaka South and North City Corporations promptly initiated waste removal drives, urging cooperation from residents to maintain a clean city environment.
Security was heightened across the capital with the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) increasing surveillance and deploying additional personnel to ensure smooth conduct of Eid prayers and related festivities.
Complementing the religious and communal aspects of Eid, special programming by Bangladesh Television (BTV), Bangladesh Betar, and private television and radio channels added a festive atmosphere to households. The celebrations also saw the release of six new Bangladeshi films, drawing crowds to cinemas and contributing to the holiday’s cultural festivities.
While print media enjoyed a five-day holiday for Eid, online platforms continued to provide news updates, ensuring that citizens remained informed throughout the festive period.
With prayers on their lips and gratitude in their hearts, millions across the country celebrated Eid-ul-Azha in unity and reflection, upholding the values of sacrifice, compassion, and devotion that make this festival a timeless beacon of faith.