Barguna Villages Observe Eid a Day Early

In a notable religious tradition, nearly fifty villages in Barguna Upazila celebrated Eid al-Fitr a day ahead of the national calendar, following the lunar observation in Saudi Arabia. Around 20,000 residents participated in the festivities, maintaining practices that have been observed in the region for centuries.

The main Eid congregation took place at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, 20 March, at the Mallik Bari Jame Mosque in Madhya Bakultoli village, Kazirabad Union, Betagi Upazila. Hundreds of villagers, from children to the elderly, attended the prayers, reflecting the communal spirit of the occasion.

Celebrations were widespread, spanning multiple Upazilas and villages, as shown in the table below:

Local sources report that the practice of observing Eid according to the Saudi Arabian calendar has been maintained for generations. Villagers adhere closely to religious customs, rituals, and regulations as practiced in Saudi Arabia for both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

Mohammad Abdul Ghani Mallik, a resident of Madhya Bakultoli, said: “Approximately 200 years ago, Chan Mia and Kashem Maulvi, following the directives of Mirzakhil Darbar Sharif in Satkania, Chittagong, introduced these religious customs here. Since then, our community has celebrated Eid in line with Saudi Arabia. This practice continues for both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.”

Imam Mohammad Fazlur Rahman of the Kazirabad Union congregation added, “This tradition, originating from Satkania, has been upheld for decades. While the number of worshippers has decreased somewhat in recent years, the devotion and observance of rituals remain strong.”

The early celebration in Barguna underscores the enduring influence of historical and religious ties with Saudi Arabia. It reflects the villagers’ dedication to maintaining centuries-old traditions while fostering a strong sense of community and shared religious identity.