Along with the rest of the world, the Eid al-Adha, the Islamic festival marking the sacrifice of Prophet Abraham of his son Ishmael, was also celebrated on Wednesday with pomp and traditional gaiety across Assam.
In Lakhimpur district, the Muslim people celebrated the ‘Festival of Sacrifice’, which is also called as ‘Bakri Eid’, with traditional fervour.
The day began with Eid prayers held across mosques in various parts of the district as Eidgahs were affected by overnight rains.
However, the inclement weather could not dampen the spirit of the Eid as thousands of faithfuls attended the prayers in the district.
Special prayers were also held for the overall well-being of the society and unity among the people. Animals were sacrificed by many on this occasion in which the meat were distributed among the poor and relatives. Special get-together events were also arranged where members of different communities attend for the Eid festivities and feasting.
In Udalguri, Eid al-Adha was celebrated with religious fervour and enthusiasm on Wednesday with people praying for peace, prosperity and amity.
Hundreds of Muslims thronged Eidgah maidans in traditional attire and white caps, and offered prayers on the occasion.
In Tangla, the people thronged Bara Masjid Eidgah Maidan and Banseria Eidgah Maidan for special Eid prayers. Eid al-Adha, also called Eid-ul-Zuha, is the second of two Muslim holidays celebrated worldwide each year and is considered the holier of the two.
On the occasion, members of the Muslim community also distributed gifts among the economically less-privileged sections. A festive atmosphere prevailed at various localities as men and children draped in traditional attire came
out in streets. Religious sermons were also delivered on the occasion for peace and
harmony.
While Maulana Mohammed Samaun Ahmed Noori led the prayers at Bara Masjid Eidgah Maidan, Maulana Rezakul Islam led the prayers at Banseria Eidgah Maidan. Sweets were also exchanged as both Muslims and Hindus greeted each other.
Eid prayers were also held at various neighbouring places including Bamunjuli, Garuajhar, Panery, Dimakuchi and Kalaigaon.
Eid al-Adha was also celebrated across Hojai district with pomp, gaiety and religious fervour on Wednesday.
Thousands of Muslims joined the celebration at Hojai Eidgah Maiden, Nilbagan Eidgah Maiden, Daboka Eidgah maiden, Udali, Jugijaan, Murajhar, Gopal Nagar, Kapasbari, Lanka and Lumding. The Eid prayers began in the morning at 6:30.
“For the first in the history of Gopal Nagar Eidgha Maidan, Aamiruddin Ajmal performed Eid prayer, so it was very special for all residents of the area,” Swajidul Islam, a local resident of Gopal Nagar area told Northeast Now.
Islam also said, “Around 2000 people performed the holy Eid prayer on Wednesday at Gopal Nagar and the day was full of fanfare. The festival was celebrated to spread the message of peace and harmony.”
“This holy festival is mainly celebrated to promote unity and integrity in the nation,” said Basit Alom Choudhury, a social worker.
Children from nearby areas thronged the markets in Hojai and enjoyed the festivity by purchasing a variety of food and sports items.