KATHMANDU, April 11: The entire Muslim community across the country is celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr today by reciting special prayers (Namaz) and receiving blessings from their elderly ones. 

The fasting month of Ramadan culminates in Eid-ul-Fitr, which is celebrated with feasting, giving and taking of gifts and wearing new clothes.

During this festival, younger ones from the Muslim community visit their elderly ones for three days and receive blessings. It is customary to give sevai, dates, and other sweet delicacies to the relatives who come for blessings.

The festival is celebrated on the next day after the completion of the 30-day fast. Muslim Commission Chairperson Samim Mian Ansari shared that it was decided to celebrate Eid today as the moon was not sighted on Wednesday. 

According to the Muslim religion, there are five pillars namely 'Roza', 'Zakat', 'Hajj', 'Namaz' and 'Kalama'. Ramadan is considered a holy month. "Zakat (donation) is given in this month," he said, adding, "We consider this month to be the month of earning virtue" This festival is celebrated on Eid-ul-Fitr by eating 'Sevai' and offering Namaz collectively. 

On this day, Muslims devotees converge mainly in the mosque or any outdoor location in the early morning for Edi prayer and break their fast feasting on delicacies. Families and friends gather to mark the end of a month-long fast 'Ramadan' and exchange Eid Mubarak (greetings) as well as gifts. 

According to the National Census-2078, the Muslim community shares 5.9 percent of the total population of Nepal. Noting the data was incomplete, he said the commission was planning to study the social, economic, political, cultural and educational conditions of the Muslim community and submit the actual details to the government. 

Although there is a mosque for Muslims in Kathmandu, it lacks spacious meeting halls to offer Namaz and for cultural activities together, he complained.

 
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