Religious Festivals and Holidays

Muslim Holidays

Bangladesh is a predominantly Muslim country with about 85% of its people professing Islam as their faith. The Muslims of Bangladesh celebrate their Islamic holidays with much enthusiasm. Some of the important days are:

Eid-ul-Fitr: This marks the celebration at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Bangladeshis mark this day by first taking part in a morning prayer with other Muslims. Eid-ul-Azha: Festival of sacrifice. The day marks the supreme devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) by his willingness to sacrifice his son. Those who can afford to sacrifice cattle in the name of God, and the meat is then shared with friends, family, and the poor. This is also the culmination of the Hajj or holy pilgrimage. Other significant days include Shab-e-Barat, Jamaat-ul-Wida, Shab-e-Qudr, and Muharram (Ashura).

Hindu Holidays

Janmastami: Celebration of the birth of Rama. Durgapuja (Dashomi) : The 10 day festival associated with vanquishing demons, in particular Rama's victory over Ravana in the Ramayana, and Durga's victory over the buffalo-headed Mahishasura. People wash their vehicles clean on this day and decorate it with flowers and leaves of mango tree. Sweets are made. The young people distribute leaves of a particular tree which are of symbolic gold. One can watch the Ram Lila which is a dramatic performance of the life of Rama.

Buddhist Holidays

Buddho Purnima: Buddhists commemorate the birth and enlightenment of Buddha. This occurs on the first full-moon of the Bengali month of Baishakh.

Christian Holidays

Christmas: Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.