Muslims across Nepal celebrate Eid al-Adha (photos)

KATHMANDU: Muslims across Nepal are celebrating Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakra Eid or Eid-ul-Adha, today with religious devotion, communal prayers and festive gatherings.

Considered the second holiest festival in Islam after Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha is observed around 70 days after the end of Ramadan.

The festival commemorates the unwavering faith and sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who, according to Islamic belief, was prepared to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to Allah’s command before Allah replaced him with a ram.

From early morning, Muslim devotees gathered at mosques and Eidgahs across the country to offer special congregational prayers.

Major prayer gatherings were held at Kathmandu’s Nepali Jame Mosque, Kashmiri Mosque and other mosques nationwide, drawing large crowds of worshippers dressed in traditional attire.

Following prayers, people exchanged Eid greetings, visited relatives and friends, and took part in charitable activities. Markets and Muslim neighborhoods in Kathmandu and other cities also witnessed vibrant festive scenes, with families shopping for new clothes, food and other festival essentials.

Religious scholars said Eid al-Adha symbolizes sacrifice, faith, compassion and devotion to God. Muslims traditionally perform “Qurbani” — the ritual sacrifice of animals permitted under Islamic law — to honor Prophet Ibrahim’s act of obedience.

According to Islamic tradition, the meat from the sacrifice is divided into three portions: one for poor and needy families, one for relatives and friends, and one for the household itself. The practice is regarded as a symbol of sharing, generosity and social harmony.

Muslim religious leaders noted that the festival also carries special significance for those undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia, which is considered one of the most important religious duties in Islam.

The festival will be observed for three days, during which Muslim families continue prayers, sacrifices and social gatherings.

The Government of Nepal has also declared a public holiday today on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.

Known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” Eid al-Adha is one of the two most important festivals in Islam and is celebrated by Muslim communities around the world with deep reverence, joy and unity.

-Saroj Basnet