Kurban Bayramy Holiday in Turkmenistan

Kurban Bayramy, also known as Eid al-Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant Islamic holidays celebrated in Turkmenistan and across the Muslim world. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, before God provided him with a ram to sacrifice instead.

Date:

The holiday falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Since the Islamic calendar is lunar, the date varies each year when converted to the Gregorian calendar.

History and Traditions:

• Religious Significance: The day honors Ibrahim's devotion and marks the end of Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca.
• Animal Sacrifice: Traditionally, Muslims who can afford it sacrifice their best halal domestic animals (usually a sheep, but also camels, cows, and goats) as a symbol of Ibrahim's sacrifice. This practice is also observed in Turkmenistan.
• Sharing Meat: The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one share for the family, one share for relatives and friends, and one share for the poor and needy.
• Prayers: The day begins with morning prayers at mosques or open prayer areas.

What People Do on This Day:

1. Spiritual Practices: Many attend communal prayers and listen to a sermon at local mosques.
2. Charity: It is common for people to give charity in the form of money or portions of meat to ensure that less fortunate members of the community can partake in celebrations.
3. Family Gatherings: Families come together to share meals and enjoy festivities.
4. Greetings: It is customary to greet one another with phrases like "Bayramınız mübarek bolsun" which means "May your holiday be blessed" in Turkmen.
5. Cultural Events: Depending on government announcements, cultural programs or public events may be organized.

Kurban Bayramy is considered a public holiday in Turkmenistan; schools, government offices, and most businesses are closed allowing citizens to fully partake in religious observances and family activities.