Eid al-Adha being observed today

KATHMANDU: The festival of Eid al-Adha is being observed across the country and globally today by people from the Muslim community. It is the second of the two important religious holidays marked worldwide by the Muslims each year.

Also known as the 'Festival of Sacrifice', Eid al-Adha marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage.

As per the Islamic belief, observance of Eid al-Adha follows the story of Prophet Ibrahim. According to which, the prophet was commanded by God to sacrifice his son Ismail. However, when Ibrahim showed willingness to carry out the sacrifice, God spared the boy and placed a lamb in his stead.

The day is marked by sacrificing an animal and dividing it into three parts to give away one portion to the poor, the other to neighbours and relatives, and keeping the third at home.

On the occasion, Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun has wished the Nepalis of the Muslim community -- in the country and abroad -- happiness, peace, prosperity and progress.

Likewise, Prime Minister KP Sharma has extended his best wishes to the entire Muslim community of the country on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakra Eid.

२०७६ सालको ईद–उल– अज्हा (बकर ईद) को शुभ अवसरमा सम्पूर्ण मुस्लिम दिदी बहिनी तथा दाजुभाइहरुमा हार्दिक शुभकामना व्यक्त गर्दछु । बकर ईद मुबारक !

— KP Sharma Oli (@PM_Nepal) August 12, 2019

Province 2 and 5 have announced public today today.

The other holiday Eid al-Fitr was celebrated on June 5 this year marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.