Bangladesh is celebrating the holy Eid-ul-Fitr, the greatest religious festival of Muslims in the country today (Thursday).

The main Eid jamaat was held at the National Eidgah on the High Court premises here at 8.30am.

Another congregation of the holy Eid-ul-Fitr prayers was held at 8:30 am at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad (JS).

Besides, the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque is set to hold five Eid jamaats (congregations).

The first Eid jamaat was held at 7am while the next four Jamaats are set to be held at 8am, 9am, 10am and 10:45am respectively.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages greeting the countrymen as well as the Muslims across the world on the occasion of the holy Eid-ul-Fitr.

Eid-ul-Fitr is an Arabic word meaning "festival of breaking of the fast".

The festival marks the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

 Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk during the holy month.

 On Eid morning, usually, Muslim devotees gather at mosques and prayer venues to perform Eid prayers and greet each other.

 The festival is celebrated by visiting the residences of friends and relatives, hosting food parties and sharing sweets. 

Children not only get new clothes and shoes but also receive cash gifts called "Salami" from their elders, relatives and well-wishers. 

The occasion is seen as a time of forgiveness and giving thanks to Allah for helping people to complete their month-long spiritual fasting.