KATHMANDU, MAY 28 Muslims across Nepal are observing Bakra Eid, also known as Eid al-Adha or Idul Zuha, the second major festival of the Islamic calendar, with the government declaring a public holiday on the occasion. Observed on the 70th day after Eid al-Fitr, the festival is marked by communal prayers at mosques across the country, followed by the ritual sacrifice of animals. Crowds gathered at Nepali Jame Masjid in Durbar Marga, Kashmiri Masjid, and mosques nationwide for morning prayers, after which worshippers exchanged greetings. The festival will continue for three days through Saturday, with sacrifice performed on each of the three days as per Islamic tradition. The festival commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to God's command, with divine intervention replacing the sacrifice with an animal from paradise. According to Muslim religious tradition, the sacrificial meat is divided into three equal parts, one for the poor and needy, one for relatives and friends, and one kept for the family. Former Muslim Commission Chairman Nirdosh Ali said the festival traces its origins 1,439 years ago according to the Hijri calendar, when Ibrahim prepared to offer his son in sacrifice at God's command. Muslim religious leader Maulana Rahmat Ali noted that the line of Ibrahim led to the birth of Prophet Mohammad in Mecca in 571 AD, whose teachings formed the Hadith, a religious text still taught in madrasas today. The Prophet later moved from Mecca to Medina at the age of 53, and both cities remain major pilgrimage sites where large gatherings are held during this season, he added. The Ministry of Home Affairs facilitates Haj pilgrimages to Mecca and Medina by arranging return air tickets for pilgrims. The Haj pilgrimage is considered the primary purpose of the festival, and those unable to travel still observe the rituals at home. President Ramchandra Paudel and Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav extended greetings on the occasion, with President Paudel expressing confidence that unity in diversity would strengthen national aspirations and foster brotherhood and equality. Vice President Yadav described the festival as a symbol of sacrifice and dedication, and expressed hope it would inspire solidarity, compassion, and social justice. National Assembly Chairman Narayan Prasad Dahal said the festival carries a message of dedication, humanity, tolerance, and philanthropy.