"Eid ul-Fitr is being celebrated with great pomp in Rautahat."

Rautahat. The Muslim community in Rautahat is joyfully celebrating the festival of Eid ul-Fitr. Eid is considered the biggest festival for followers of Islam. This festival marks the end of the month-long fasting (Roza) observed during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan.  

After a month of fasting, Muslim men gather in one place to offer prayers (Namaz), exchange hugs, share good wishes, and celebrate the festival by enjoying sweet dishes, said local resident Istiyak Ahmed from Rajpur.  

According to him, it is a tradition to visit the homes of relatives and close friends on Eid ul-Fitr and enjoy *sewai* (a sweet dish made from flour). He mentioned that this festival carries a message of unity, love, and compassion.  

He also noted that on Eid, there is a tradition of giving charity (donations) to the poor, orphans, and helpless people so that no one remains hungry, and everyone is treated to sweet dishes.  

He informed that the morning congregational prayers (Namaz) were held at the local Eidgah in Ward No. 3 of Rajpur Municipality.  

So far, Muslims have completed Eid prayers at dozens of mosques and Eidgahs, including those in Chandrapur, Garuda, Gaur, Rajpur, Bhagawanpur, and Bhediyahi.  

According to Maulana Mohammad Zakir Hussain, the month of Ramadan is considered the most significant among the 12 months for the Muslim community. He stated that fasting (Roza) is a religious obligation (Farz) for Muslim men and women above the age of seven during this month.  

During Ramadan, it is customary for Muslims to donate a portion of their yearly earnings or wages to madrasas (Islamic schools) or extremely needy families. On the occasion of this festival, the Government of Nepal has declared a public holiday.