Dhaka, Mar 20 (V7N) – Devout Muslims across hundreds of villages in Bangladesh celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr on Friday, a day ahead of the national observance, following the moon sighting in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries. For decades, communities in several districts have observed Eid in advance, maintaining religious traditions that align with global lunar calendars.

Eid in Lakshmipur, Pirojpur, and Sarishabari

In Lakshmipur, more than a thousand devotees from 11 villages, including Noagaon, Joypura, Bigha, Baragharia, and Kalakapa, offered prayers, led by Maulana Muhammad Ruhul Amin at the main congregation in Madania Kasemia Madrasa. Followers of Maulana Ishaq (RA) have observed Eid in advance for the past 47 years.

In Pirojpur, over 800 families from 10 villages participated in early Eid prayers at local mosques and private homes. Many have been following this tradition for 150 years, including followers of Hazrat Maulana Ahmed Ali Sureshwar Pir.

In Sarishabari, Jamalpur, more than 200 devotees from 16 villages attended congregations at Masterbari Jame Mosque and other local Eidgahs. Maulana Azim Uddin Master led the prayers, emphasizing the practice of following Middle Eastern schedules for Ramadan and Eid.

Major Early Celebrations in Kalapara, Sonargaon, and Madaripur

About 10,000 people from eight villages in Kalapara, Patuakhali offered Eid prayers at Shah Sufi Momtazia Darbar Sharif, with separate congregations in neighboring villages. This community has been following Saudi Arabia’s Eid schedule for around 200 years.

In Sonargaon, Narayanganj, devotees from 23 villages offered early Eid prayers, continuing a 10-year tradition of observing Eid a day before the national celebration.

In Madaripur, around 30,000 people from 25 villages joined congregations at Charkalikapur Government Primary School ground, continuing a 150-year-old tradition established by followers of Hazrat Jan Sharif Shah Sureshwari (RA).

Other Districts Observing Early Eid

Early Eid congregations were also reported in:

  • Bogra – Gabtoli and Sonatala areas

  • Moulvibazar – Circuit House area

  • Chandpur – 40 villages including Hajiganj, Faridganj, and Shahrasti

  • Jhalakathi – Rajapur Darus-Sunnah Eidgah

  • Bhola – 14 villages in five upazilas

  • Patuakhali – 28 villages

  • Dinajpur – Birampur upazila

  • Satkania, Chittagong – Followers of Mirzakhil Darbar Sharif

  • Sherpur – Seven villages including Charkharchar and Char Bamaner Char

  • Palashbari, Gaibandha – Monoharpur Union

  • Naogaon – Patnitala Upazila

  • Shariatpur – 50 villages including Sureshwar, Kedarpur, and Chandipur

  • Kurigram – Six villages in five upazilas

  • Rajshahi – Puthia Upazila

Religious Significance and Community Spirit

Across all these regions, men, women, and children participated in Eid prayers, sharing joy through hugs, exchanging greetings, and offering special prayers for the welfare of the country, the Muslim Ummah, and world peace. Many communities highlighted the long-standing tradition of aligning Eid with Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries, observing Ramadan and Eid according to the global moon sighting.

Imams emphasized that following the moon sighting worldwide is in accordance with Sharia and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Security measures were also in place in several districts to ensure smooth and peaceful celebrations.

These early Eid congregations reflect the deep religious devotion of communities across Bangladesh and their commitment to observing Islamic traditions faithfully.

END/SMA/AJ