Sacrifice and Celebration: The spirit of Eid-ul-Azha lives on

Inspired by the spirit of sacrifice, Muslims across Bangladesh are celebrating the holy Eid-ul-Azha today, Saturday (June 7), in line with many countries around the world. 

This is one of the most significant religious festivals of the Muslim community.

Due to geographical positioning, Eid-ul-Azha is being celebrated in Bangladesh a day after countries like Saudi Arabia. 

The festival is traditionally observed on the 10th of the lunar month of Zilhajj, following the conclusion of the Hajj rituals in Saudi Arabia.

On this day, Muslims across the country perform the Eid congregational prayers in the morning and carry out the religious rite of Qurbani (animal sacrifice).

If necessary, Qurbani may also be performed until the third day of Eid.

Based on the sighting of the Zilhajj moon, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar and most other Middle Eastern countries observed Eid on June 6. 

Due to time zone differences, Muslims in Europe, Indonesia, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and many African nations also celebrated Eid around the same time.

Eid-ul-Azha is being observed today in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Morocco, Mauritania, Brunei, and Malaysia. 

A small number of Muslims in some areas of a few districts in Bangladesh observed the festival on Friday (June 6), following the Saudi Arabian schedule.

Millions of worshippers across the country join the Eid congregations held at various Eidgahs. 

The largest Eidgah in the country is the Sholakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj, followed by the Gor-e-Shaheed Maidan in Dinajpur, where hundreds of thousands gather for the prayers.

The main national congregation will be held at the National Eidgah adjacent to the Supreme Court. The Eid prayer will begin at 7:30am. 

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, members of the advisory council, justices of the Supreme Court, political leaders, and people from various walks of life will attend the congregation.

As in previous years, five Eid congregations will be held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. 

The first congregation will begin at 7:00am followed by prayers at 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, and 10:45am.

The Meteorological Department has forecasted somewhat adverse weather conditions on Eid day. 

Rain is expected across the country along with a possible rise in temperature on Saturday (June 7).

The state agency released a 120-hour forecast on Friday (June 6) starting from 6:00am, detailing the expected weather conditions.

Proper preparations to deal with inclement weather can help preserve the joy of Eid for the worshippers.