Afghan refugees offering Eidul Fitar prayers at Kacha garhi camp as every year Afghan Refugees living in the country Eid with Saudi Arabia. PHOTO: PPI
PESHAWAR:
Maintaining the tradition of celebrating Eid a day earlier than the rest of the country, Afghan refugees living in Peshawar celebrated Eidul Fitr on Thursday although the local Ruet-e-Hilal committee had not met for moon sighting.
The Afghans made their decision following Saudi Arabia’s announcement on Wednesday night they will be celebrating Eid the next day. Prayers were offered in many parts of the city, including Karkhanu, Board Bazaar, Tajabad and Warsak Road, among others. The largest congregation was seen in Kacha Ghari camp, where thousands of worshipers came for Eid prayers.
Afghan children flocked to Tatara Park and Bagh-e-Naran in Hayatabad area for recreation. Hundreds of visitors enjoyed the food and toy stalls set up outside the park premises.
“There should not be two Eids in the country; everyone should celebrate this moment together. Celebrating this event separately has divided people into different groups,” said Jamil Agha, an Afghan citizen who had come to Kacha Garghi for Eid prayers.
Muhammad Sultan, another Afghan, said he felt it was his religious obligation to celebrate Eid with Saudi Arabia. It’s our responsibility to follow them. “We offered Taraweeh last night because we were not sure if Saudi Arabia will announce Eid. We found out late night that there will be no Sehr on Thursday,” he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 9th, 2013.
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