Holy Eid-ul-Fitr today

The holy Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the greatest religious festivals of the Muslims, is being celebrated in the country on Saturday.

The main jamaat of the Eid-ul-Fitr was held at the National Eidgah on the High Court premises in Dhaka at 8.30 am.

Another congregation of the holy Eid-ul-Fitr prayers was held at 8:30 am at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad (JS).

Besides, five Eid jamaats (congregation) are being held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in phases.

The first Eid jamaat was held there at 7am.

President M Abdul Hamid offered the prayers of Eid-ul-Fitr along with hundreds of people from all walks of life at the National Eidgah Maidan. 

Apart from the head of the state, the country's noted personalities, including chief justice, cabinet members, judges of the Supreme Court, lawmakers, senior political leaders and high civil and military officials also performed their prayers there.

Eid-ul-Fitr is an Arabic word meaning "festival of breaking of the fast".

The festival marks the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk during the holy month.

On the Eid day morning, usually, Muslim devotees gather at mosques and prayer venues to perform Eid prayers and greet each other.

The festival is celebrated by visiting friends and relatives, hosting food parties and sharing sweets.

Children not only get new clothes and shoes, but also receive cash gifts called "Salami" from their elders, relatives and well-wishers.

The occasion is seen as a time of forgiveness and giving thanks to Allah for helping people to complete their month-long spiritual fasting.

Many Muslims distribute cash and food to the less fortunate ones.