KATHMANDU:- oday, the Muslim community is joyfully celebrating the festival of Eid (Eid-ul-Fitr) by forgetting grudges and animosities, exchanging good wishes, and sharing happiness among them.

After offering special prayers on Eid today, blessings are sought and given. There is a tradition of eating and serving special sweet dishes on this occasion.

Eid, celebrated after the discipline of fasting (Roza), self-restraint, and devotionally performed prayer rituals, is a symbol of spiritual purity and elevation.

This festival teaches people the lessons of restraint, patience, and self-control. The ‘Iftar’ and collective prayers organised on this occasion strengthen the spirit of unity and coexistence in the nation and community.

The tradition of charity and assistance fosters compassion and sympathy towards the helpless, the poor, and those in need of support.

The tradition of saying ‘Chand Mubarak’ or ‘Eid Mubarak’ upon sighting the Eid moon is not just a greeting but an inspiring custom expressing mutual harmony and brotherhood.

Eid-ul-Fitr is not only a religious festival but also a symbol of social harmony and cultural solidarity. The unique tradition of wearing new clothes, offering prayers, and embracing each other to exchange greetings further strengthens social bonds.

The custom of preparing and sharing special dishes helps keep alive the tradition of sharing collective happiness, while the practice of charity and assistance helps make society just and compassionate.

This festival inspires us to embrace the values of fraternity, reconciliation, and collectivism.

The fundamental purpose of religion is humanity. No religion accepts discrimination; rather, it encourages sacrifice, purity, non-violence, public welfare, wisdom, and good deeds.

Religion inspires people to be honest, industrious, and dutiful. Faith in religion provides people with patience and courage during adversity. Harmony, good conduct, and coordination are the pillars for building a civilised society.

In this view, Eid-ul-Fitr motivates us to move forward not only in religious faith but also on the path of social justice, equality, and coexistence.

On the occasion, the government announced a public holiday for Saturday, today, the Home Ministry stated.

Meanwhile, President Ramchandra Paudel said unity in social and cultural diversity would enable and consolidate Nepali nationality.

In a message of best wishes on the occasion of Eid ul-Fitr, the grand festival of Muslim religious people, today, President Paudel expressed his confidence that the Eid festival would also contribute to preserving, promoting, and developing the indigenous culture and tradition of the Muslim community.

“I wish may the festival inspire to enhance the sense of broader national unity along with mutual understanding among all Nepali people, sustainable peace and fraternity”, reads the message.

Meanwhile, Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, delivering his greetings message today, said may the Eid further encourage building a civilised, peaceful, prosperous and dignified society.

“The festival may create energy and enthusiasm among all Nepalis to move ahead to a shared journey by promoting unity, goodwill and co-existence in our national life”, the message noted. RSS