Eidul Azha festivities begin around the world

Muslims around the world are celebrating Eidul Azha this weekend. Celebrations have begun in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Indonesia, Bahrain and several other countries today, while others will commemorate the religious festival, which falls on the 10th day of the lunar month Zil Hajj, tomorrow.

Eidul Azha marks the end of Hajj, and millions of Muslims from across the world head to Mecca and Madinah in Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage, after which the festival of sacrifice is observed.

The festival commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), as Muslims across the world offer animals in sacrifice, the meat of which is distributed among relatives and the less fortunate.

This year, however, most countries placed restrictions on public gatherings and urged a more simple celebration of Eidul Azha as the pandemic rages on. Hajj was also restricted to a mere 10,000 people, already residing in Saudi Arabia, who were allowed to peform the ritual.

Nonetheless, the festivities continued with protective measures such as social distancing and masks in place, as people gathered to offer Eid prayers and for animal sacrifice.

In many countries cattle markets were set up with measures to limit spread of the coronavirus and applications and websites popped up as well to fascilitate buyers and sellers.

Pakistan will celebrate Eidul Azha tomorrow amid pandemic restrictions.