The holy festival of Muslims Eid al-Adha is being celebrated with fan fare on Monday.

The festival marks the end of the Hajj or holy pilgrimage, which is one of the 5 pillars of Islam.

Nepali Muslims thronged in various mosques of the country to mark the festival.

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and leaders of political parties extended greetings to the Muslim community on the occasion of holy festival if Eid al-Adha.

In his message, Koirala has stated that the country has entered a new system of democracy through changes that heralded a new era, adding, “We all must shoulder the responsibilities of building a peaceful, beautiful and prosperous Nepal by strengthening mutual trust, understanding and unity.”

“On this happy occasion, with this urge, I would like to extend best wishes to the entire people following Islam,” the Prime Minister added.

Eid al-Adha is the Celebration of Sacrifice or Slaughter, which is to celebrate the Sacrifice made by the Prophet Abraham when God asked him to sacrifice his own son.

It was with a heavy heart that Abraham agreed to do so but was ready to show his commitment and loyalty to his Lord.

Abraham’s son, Ishmael, also recognised the importance of God’s commandment and was happy to participate. Abraham drew his knife to slaughter his son but just as the knife drew near, God intervened and Abraham’s child was replaced by a sheep.

The celebration of Eid al-Adha commemorates this event as Muslims all over the world sacrifice an animal during this Eid. This sacrifice is known as Qurbani.

A Muslim who performs or pays for a Qurbani to be performed shares the meat amongst fellow Muslims in three portions. One third is for the poor, one third for family and friends and the last third for his own household.