Secular fabric on display in Eid

Sabin Chandra Acharya

KATHMANDU: True to the secular spirit of the new Republic, Muslims across the nation celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of

Ramadan.

As goodwill and bonhomie rent the air — epitomised in the traditional embrace after offering the special prayer at the mosques — the month-long fasting gave away to unbridled feasting.

Thousands of worshippers, clad in white spotless kurta, payjama and fez, offered special prayers at the following idgahs in the Kathmandu Valley: Nepali Jame Masjid (Bag Bazaar), Kashmiri Jame Masjid

(Jamal), Madini Masjid (Sundhara), Patan Jame Masjid (Lalitpur), Rakhi Masjid (Indra Chowk), Kalimati Jame Masjid and Bhaktapur Jame Masjid.

The authorities had made special arrangements — adequate supply of water, parking of vehicles and smooth entry and exit of worshippers at the mosques — for the special prayer. Around 70,000 worshippers offered special prayers in all the valley mosques. The footfall exceeded the capacity in the mosques, raising fear of stampede, as worshippers across all age groups came out in large numbers.

Space was clearly premium as every inch of the verandah, terrace, courtyard and dormitory were converted into impromptu places of worship to invoke the blessing of the Almighty Allah on this pious occasion.

Eid-ul- Fitr commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Mohammad. The mauluvis offered the Allah’s khudba (holy sermon) for the namazis. The biggest Muslim festival broke all class barriers.

Kamaruddhin Miya, president, Paribartanshil Yuva Samaj, spread the message of universal peace and brotherhood, in keeping with the basic tenets of

Islam. “The festival is assuming greater significance with each passing year. When the world is on the brink of destruction due to the clash of civilisation, the Allah’s blessings will help maintain religious

harmony,” said Miya. Many worshippers gave sadqa-e-fitr in charity to the poor and the needy.

The Nepali Jame Masjid in Bag Bazaar had made it mandatory for all members to pay Rs 60, which works out to the price of two kilograms of rice.

“The donation will be given to those who find it difficult to celebrate Eid due to financial constraints. Fasting makes us appreciate the pangs of hunger,” said Mohammad Ashraf, former secretary, management committee, Nepali Masjid.

The sighting of the new moon heralds the end of

Ramadan. The moon sighted in the Tarai played truant in the Valley. The government declared public holiday on the occasion for the

second year in running.