Guwahati gears up to celebrate Eid al-Adha

Guwahati (Assam), Aug 21, 2018:

Along with rest of the world, Eid al-Adha will be celebrated in Guwahati on Wednesday.

Eid al-Adha, the “Festival of Sacrifice”, is the second of two Islamic fiestas celebrated worldwide each year. Some consider it to be holier than the two. On the holy occasion, people buy new clothes and offer prayers.

According to the followers of Islam, Eid-al-Adha honours the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command. But, before he could sacrifice his son, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead. After this, every year Muslims sacrifice an animal and then divide it into three parts. One third of the share is given to the poor and needy, another is given to relatives, friends and neighbors; and the last part is retained by the family.

Meanwhile, the spiraling prices of clothes and essential commodities somewhat dampened the festive mood of shoppers in Guwahati.

Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu conveyed his greetings and best wishes on the auspicious occasion.

Joining the Islamic community in the pious celebration, Khandu said Eid al-Adha marks man’s supreme faith in God.

“It is the celebration of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his own son as an act of obedience and devotion towards God. Moved by this willingness of the Prophet, God intervened by sending an angel to place a goat in place of Ibrahim's son,” the CM said in a message.