Eid-ul-Azha, one of the two major religious festivals of the Muslims, was celebrated across the country on Wednesday amid religious fervour, spirit of sacrifice and festivity.
Affluent Muslims celebrated the day by sacrificing animals in remembrance of the sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), who was instructed by almighty Allah to give up his dearest son Hazrat Ismail (AS) in a test of faith.
Most families sacrificed goats or bulls, although some wealthier families slaughtered dumbas and camels. The sacrificial meat was shared with relatives and the poor.
Eid prayers were held at mosques and Eidgahs in the capital and elsewhere in the country.
In Dhaka, the main Eid congregation was held at the National Eidgah, where President Zillur Rahman offered his prayers.
Chief Justice, cabinet members, MPs, high-ranking government officials and distinguished personalities, along with thousands of commoners, joined the congregation.
Maulana Muhammad Salah Uddin, khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, conducted the prayers seeking divine blessings for the Muslim ummah, as well as peace and prosperity for the people of Bangladesh.
The biggest Eid congregation of the country was held at Sholakia Maidan in Kishoreganj.
President Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and leader of the opposition Khaleda Zia greeted the countrymen on the occasion.
The “Festival of Sacrifice” also marked the end of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage by millions of devout Muslims to the holy city of Mecca.
From the very onset of the five-day Eid vacation, which included the weekly holidays following the three-day government holiday, the city looked deserted. An estimated three million people left for village homes to celebrate the occasion with their nearest of kins.
On the Eid day and the day after, parts of the city, however, wore a festive look. Main thoroughfares and road islands were decorated with miniature national flags and banners inscribed with ‘Eid Mubarak’.
Dressed in colourful clothes, thousands of men, women and children flocked into public parks, lakes, Sangshad Bhaban area, Dhaka zoo and many other recreation spots of the city.
“There are not many options when it comes to recreation in the city. We have to visit same places over and over again,” said Arif Ahmed, who came with his three children to the Shishu Park on Thursday.
Rickshaw pullers, who decided to work during the Eid holidays, enjoyed three days of unrestricted access to all VIP roads. Rickshaw owners also waived fees for the shifts. Sohel from Bogra stayed back in the city just to pull rickshaw during the holidays.
“Today for the first time I pulled rickshaw over the Khilgaon flyover, the owners won’t charge fees and I feel very happy with the earnings. I want to return to my village after the holidays,” he added.
Most drivers of three-wheelers, CNG-run vehicles and taxicabs also enjoyed the same exemption of rent from their owners.
Pavements in the city were free from encroachers. Many families were seen taking strolls on the streets till late at night, which was inconceivable a week ago.
Rab personnel patrolled the deserted city roads on motorbikes and vans, while police were also seen in pickups at different parts.
“This is the city where we want to live. The pavements are free from encroachers and we enjoy walking here, which we cannot do usually. The streets are free from vendors and many other nuisance,” said Anisul Haque, a resident of Moghbazar.
Prison inmates, residents of vagrant centres and children at orphanages also enjoyed special meals on the Eid day.
Government and political leaders hosted receptions for dignitaries, the elite and cross-sections of people.
