The holy Eid-ul-Azha will be celebrated across the country on May 28 (Thursday) with the spirit of sacrifice. Eid-ul-Azha, also known as "Kurbanir Eid" (Festival of Sacrifice) or "Bakri Eid", is one of the major religious festivals of Muslims. For centuries, the occasion has symbolised the spirit of sacrifice and devotion among the Muslim community.
On the day, worshippers will offer two-rakat Eid-ul-Azha prayers at nearby Eidgahs and mosques, where khatibs will highlight the significance of sacrifice in Eid sermons.
People from all walks of life, regardless of social or economic status, will join congregational prayers and exchange greetings.
The National Eidgah Maidan has already been prepared for the main Eid congregation. Security arrangements have been strengthened for the occasion, with dignitaries, including Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, diplomats and people from different professions expected to attend the prayers.
The country's largest Eid congregation will traditionally be held at Sholakia in Kishoreganj.
On the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha 1447 Hijri, five congregations will be held in phases at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in the capital, with the first scheduled for 7:00am.
Meanwhile, in alignment with Saudi Arabia and several Middle Eastern countries, Eid-ul-Azha will be observed in at least 11 districts of the country on May 28.
Government, semi-government and autonomous institutions have decorated their premises ahead of the festival. Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar, along with private television channels, are airing special Eid programmes. Special meals will also be served in hospitals, prisons, orphanages and children's homes on Eid day.
After the Eid prayers, able-bodied Muslims will sacrifice animals in observance of the religious rite, which is closely linked to the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The global Muslim community gathers at the plains of Arafat near Mecca during Hajj.
Eid-ul-Azha symbolises deep devotion and supreme sacrifice to Allah, rooted in the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was willing to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail (AS), in obedience to divine command. The event is regarded as a timeless example of devotion, obedience and submission to Allah.
The occasion is also viewed as a spiritual reminder of self-purification and restraint from worldly impulses. Its message is often described as overcoming base instincts and embracing moral discipline. In the words of Kazi Nazrul Islam, "Moner Majhe poshu je tor ajke tare kor jobeh" - meaning, "Slaughter the animal within your mind today."
