Eid celebrations come to a close

Despite cleanliness campaigns, much animal waste was dumped on roadsides

PESHAWAR: Eidul Azha concluded for many in the city on Thursday.

Communal Eid prayers were arranged at the city’s major mosques, including Sunehri Masjid, Masjid Qasim Ali Khan, Darvesh Masjid, Zarghoni Masjid and Speen Jumat. Like Eidul Fitr, Eidul Azha was celebrated on the same day across the country this year. This is contrary to previous years as there was much controversy surrounding moon sighting in K-P.

In the past, the local moon sighting committee, led by Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai, of Masjid Qasim Ali Khan, convened prior to the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. For many years, Ramazan and Eid were observed in parts of the province a day before the rest of the county, based on Popalzai’s announcements.

Even though the issue was almost resolved this time, people demanded proper measures to address the controversy. The day started with morning prayers with special prayers for the peace, prosperity and unity of people in the country.

A large number of women also offered Eid prayers in Peshawar’s Sunehri and Zarghoni mosques as special arrangements were made for them. Many visited the city’s graveyards to pay respect to their deceased loved ones.

Children rushed to city’s parks, particularly Chacha Younas Park, to celebrate Eid with their families. Hundreds of people also visited Sardaryab, a popular picnic spot to celebrate with their families.

Afghan refugees, meanwhile, celebrated Eid with K-P in parts of the province, including Lower Dir, Swat, Chakdara and Malakand. However, in some parts of the city, including Tajabad, Hayatabad and Board Bazaar, the refugees celebrated the occasion a day prior to people in  the rest of Pakistan.

Thousands of sacrificial animals were slaughtered, whereas the meat was distributed among the poor people of the province. The district administration urged locals to dump the waste at designated places in the provincial metropolis. However, animal waste was strewn on the roadside in some areas. A special campaign was kicked off by representatives of Hayatabad to distribute plastic bags to gather animal waste so it could be dumped at a proper place.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 16^th, 2016.