Eid-ul-Fitr being celebrated

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

Eid-ul-Fitr is an Arabic word meaning "festival of breaking of the fast" as it marks the end of the Muslim’s fasting month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

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

On the Eid day morning, Muslims gather at mosques and other congregation 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 complete their month-long spiritual fasting.

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

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