Dhaka, Nov 28 (UNB) - Eid-ul-Azha, the second-largest religious festival of the Muslims, was celebrated in the country Saturday amidst due religious fervour and spirit of sacrifice in commemoration of Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim’s complete submission to the will of Almighty Allah.

On the holy occasion, devotees offered eid prayers and sacrificed animals. They also shared the feast on sacrificial meat with their relatives and neighbours and distributed those among poor people.

To commemorate Hazrat Ibrahim’s devotion to almighty Allah illustrated by his readiness to sacrifice his dearest son, Hazrat Ismail, well-off Muslims sacrificed animals of their best choice.

Ordained by Almighty Allah to sacrifice his dearest one, Hazrat Ibrahim had arranged everything to execute His order at Mina near Makkah. Satisfied with his sincere willingness, Allah ordered Ibrahim to sacrifice an animal instead of his son.

Muslims at Mina and around the world sacrifice animals on the 10th day of the month of Jilhaj marking the event, the symbol of highest loyalty and submission to the Almighty.

The main Eid congregation was held at the National Eidgah at 9:00am. Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque Prof Maulana Salahuddin Ahmed conducted the prayers.

The Islamic Foundation also arranged five Eid congregations at Baitul Mukarram mosque at 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am and 11:45am. Dhaka City Corporation organized over 350 Eid congregations across the city.

Eid congregation was held for the first time at the south plaza of Parliament. Speaker Abdul Hamid Advocate, Prime Minister’s Adviser Dr Alauddin Ahmed, whip Noor-e-Alam Chowdhury and parliament members offered eid prayers at the new venue.

Eid congregations were also held at different mosques and eidgahs in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country, with the biggest one taking place at Sholakia Maidan in Kishoreganj.

On the occasion, national leaders issued messages calling upon all to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice and work in amity for building a happy, welfare society.

President Zillur Rahamn, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and opposition leader and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia issued separate messages.

Marking the festival main streets and road islands were decorated with miniature national flags and banners inscribed with ‘Eid Mubarak’.

A three-day government holiday for Eid-ul-Azha began Friday. Newspaper offices also remained closed on these days.

President Zillur Rahman, Ministers, Dhaka City Mayor Sadek Hossain Khoka, VIPs, foreign diplomats, and senior military and civil officials offered Eid prayers at the National Eidgah.

A special munajat (prayer) seeking divine blessings for peace and prosperity of the country as well as welfare of the people and greater unity of the Muslim Ummah was offered at the main congregation.

Government and political leaders hosted receptions for dignitaries, elite and cross-sections of people on the occasion.

President Zillur Rahman hosted a reception for diplomats and the elite of the city at Bangabhaban.

The state-run Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television (BTV) and private TV channels have arranged special programmes on the occasion.

Special meals were served at jails, orphanages, vagrant centres and dormitories on the day.

Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Parishad and Mohanagar Sarbojonin Puja Committee also greeted the people of the country on the occasion.