South Asians mark Eid al-fitr
by Reuters
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Thousands of Muslim Bangladeshis mark the Eid holiday and the end of Ramadan with prayer.
Eid al-Fitr is Islam's biggest holiday and is a time of reflection, family and charity after fasting for the holy month of Ramadan.
(SOUNDBITE) (Bengali) DEVOTEE ARIF BILLAH SAYING:
"By the grace of God we have successfully performed the fasting during Ramadan. Today I have attended the first prayer session in this mosque, and now we will go to meet with friends and relatives to exchange Eid greetings."
Pakistanis also celebrated Eid al-fitr, but with security watching closely.
The country has been plagued with bombings and gun battles by groups like the Pakistan Taliban, making national security a top priority during the celebrations.
The holiday was also a chance to offer friendship across the India-Pakistan divide.
Border forces in Indian's northern Punjab state exchanged sweets with Pakistan Rangers on Monday.
They hope that such exchanges will help ease tension between the two nations, which are often at odds politically.
Eid al-Fitr is Islam's biggest holiday and is a time of reflection, family and charity after fasting for the holy month of Ramadan.
(SOUNDBITE) (Bengali) DEVOTEE ARIF BILLAH SAYING:
"By the grace of God we have successfully performed the fasting during Ramadan. Today I have attended the first prayer session in this mosque, and now we will go to meet with friends and relatives to exchange Eid greetings."
Pakistanis also celebrated Eid al-fitr, but with security watching closely.
The country has been plagued with bombings and gun battles by groups like the Pakistan Taliban, making national security a top priority during the celebrations.
The holiday was also a chance to offer friendship across the India-Pakistan divide.
Border forces in Indian's northern Punjab state exchanged sweets with Pakistan Rangers on Monday.
They hope that such exchanges will help ease tension between the two nations, which are often at odds politically.