Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Oct. 5 /Trend H. Hasanov/
President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed a decree on celebrating the Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) in the country.
Eid al-Adha is Arabic for Feast of the Sacrifice (Kurban Bayramy in Turkmen) and is one of two holidays on the Islamic calendar, starting on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah each year.
According to Turkmen President's decree, the Eid al-Adha will be celebrated in Turkmenistan on October 15, 16 and 17, 2013, and these days are declared as non-working days.
The decree said that, this decision was taken 'in order to keep the high moral values of the Turkmen people, the wide adoption of ancient traditions and customs of ancestors, on the basis of noble aspiration to increase the solemnity of national holidays, further strengthening of moral purity of our brave and inspired people in the era of power, happiness of unity and cohesion'.
Turkmenistan began celebrating the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, after establishment of independence. This year the country celebrates the 22nd anniversary of this event.
Traditionally, during the Eid al-Adha, music is heard on the streets of country's cities, a lively trade is being carried out and high swings are installed throughout the settlements as a 'symbol of purification'.
Holy Salat al-Eid (special Eid prayer) and sacrifice ritual will be performed in all mosques throughout the country on the first day of the Eid al-Adha.