Eid being celebrated with religious fervour in city

Monday, November 07, 2011

By Shabbir Sarwar

LAHORE: Eidul Azha is being celebrated with religious fervour and zeal in city today (Monday) with special prayers in eidgahs and mosques for peace, security and sovereignty of Pakistan, as well as the Muslim world.

As per tradition, citizens wake up early in the morning on Eidul Azha and feed their sacrificial animals. After taking a bath, they don new dresses and make special preparations for Eid prayers. Later, they go to the eidgahs to say Eid prayers. Special Eid sermons are delivered by prayer leaders and religious scholars highlighting the sunnah of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and the philosophy behind the sacrifice of animals on this occasion.

Eid prayers are followed by special prayers for national brotherhood and sovereignty and the welfare of the Muslim world. These prayers are followed by Eid Milan, in which people embrace each other and exchange greetings. Eid Milan continues during the three days of Eid with people meeting their relatives and friends.

Coming home and offering the sacrifice of animals is the next feature of this day. Small animals are usually sacrificed inside houses. Elders of the family try to call all family members and show them the process of sacrificing animals, but teenagers and children usually avoid coming near the bleeding animals. Sometimes, the female members of the family, and especially children, start crying when the animals are slaughtered.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2011%5C11%5C07%5Cstory_7-11-2011_pg13_1

I don't know about you but I didn't know how this particular holiday was celebrated.