Festival Of Sacrifice

Sunday, January 23, 2005, 12:00-3:00PM
SSB G1.310

Bayram (Eid) is a general term for a traditional Muslim celebration. There are two major bayram celebrations, one the celebration of the completion of the month long Ramadan fast, and the other the celebration of the ending of the Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).

Although only the pilgrims in Makkah can participate in the Hajj fully, all the other Muslims in the world join with them by celebrating the Festival of Sacrifice. Muslims around the world wear their nicest clothing and attend a special prayer gathering in the morning. Children receive gifts and sweets on this joyous occasion.
In addition, like the pilgrims in Makkah, those Muslims who can afford to do so offer domestic animals, usually sheep, as a symbol of Abraham's sacrifice. The meat is distributed for consumption to family, friends, and to the poor and needy.

The bayram of sacrifices (Eid ul Adha) was celebrated on campus this year. The IDSA brought together families, along with their children and grandparents to celebrate this joyful event. The main aspect of the bayram is for a community to come together. Many happy memories are shared in such events.

Children are the main focus of the bayram. They receive toys, and learn to respect the elderly in the community. The traditional act of kissing the hand of an elderly person is a sign of respect. The IDSA desires to revive this tradition in Austin by making it a part of bayram celebrations.

Highlights from the festival celebration...