Muslim Festivals

Eid-ul-Fitr:
Eid-ul-Fitr can be regarded as one of the largest religious festivals in Bangladesh. It is observed on the first day of the month of Shawal of Arabic calendar. People especially the kids celebrate the day in a colorful way wearing new clothes and visiting the homes of relatives and friends. In the rural parts of Bangladesh fairs are organized on the Eid day. These fairs are basically gatherings that promote friendship among the rural people. The fairs are arranged on the bank of a river or under a big banyan tree near the local bazaar. Handicraft items and foodstuffs such as chira, muri, khai, manda, different types of cakes and sweets are sold in the fairs. Nakshi pankha, dolls, and decorated pottery as well as musical instruments such as flute, drum, Ektara are also sold in the fair. The biggest congregation of the country is held at Sholakia in Kishoreganj, where about half a million people join the Eid prayer.

Eid-ul-Azha:
Like all other Muslims of the world, Muslims of Bangladesh celebrate Eid-ul Azha in an appropriate manner of religious fervor and enthusiasm. Eid-ul Azha is observed on the 10th of Jil-Hajjah and on this day people across the country sacrifice animals according to their ability. Those who can not sacrifice animals by their own can also participate in the joy of Eid with the assistance who could afford to sacrifice an animal. New clothes and accessories are bought on the occasion. People dressed in new clothes, visit houses of neighbors and relatives to exchange greetings and partake of the special foods prepared on the occasion. Many also go to their village home to celebrate the Eid with the close relatives.

Shab-e-Qadr:
Shab-e-Qadr is known as the most blessed of all the nights of the year according to Islam. In the Holy Quran and Hadith it is referred to as Lailatu'l-Qadr; in Bangladcsh it is commonly known as 'Shab-e-Qadr'. The precise date of Shab-e-Qadr is unknown except that, according to the Quran, it falls in the holy Ramadan. According to the prophetic tradition it is an odd-numbered night among the last seven or ten days of the month. However, most Muslim scholars believe that Shab-e-Qadr is the 27th night of Ramadan, which also the view is generally held in Bangladesh . This blessed night is a great mercy of Allah to the Muslims, for by praying in this single night they can get the reward of prayer done in more than a thousand months. On this night people pass their night in the prayer and some people stays in the mosques for the whole night, from the Isha prayer till the Fazr prayer.

Shab-e-Barat:
In Bangladesh, Shab-e-Barat is observed as the night of good fortune. The observance of Shab-e-Barat has a special significance. Muslims believe that man's fate for the coming year is determined in this night. If someone prays to Allah throughout the night and asks for His forgiveness, he can expect that all his sins will be forgiven. Although incoherent according to the Islamic norms, houses and streets are illuminated by candles or electric lights on the occasion. People prepare breads and various kinds of sweetmeats, and distribute them to neighbors and the poor. Devout Muslims go to mosques for saying prayers and meditation. Many observe fasting during the day and perform nafal (optional) prayer at night.

Muharram (Ashura):
Muslims of the Shiah group observe the first ten days of the month as a period of mourning for the death of Imam Husain (R), the grandson of Hazrat Muhammad (Sm). The tenth day of Muharram is called Ashura. Imam Husain (R) was killed on this day at the hands of the troops of Yazid, the son of Muawiyah, the Umaiyya caliph. Shiahs take out processions with Tazia, the replica of the tomb of Imam Husain (R) and they show their grief by clapping on their chests or flagellating themselves with knives or chains. The mourning continues for forty days till the first ten days of the next month Safar.

Eid-E-Miladunnabi [Birth anniversary of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (sm)]:
One of the notable Muslim festivals of Bangladesh is the celebration of birth anniversary of great prophet Hazrat Muhammad (sm). It is observed on the 12th day of Rabiul Awal. On this day milads are held in the mosques.