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| Muslims celebrate Kurban Bayami |
| CCTV.COM 2004-02-03 11:02:05 |
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Although the tragedy in Saudi Arabia has overshadowed the climax of the Hajj, Muslims worldwide on Feb.1 began celebrating the Kurban Bayami. It's also called the Festival of Sacrifice and goes for the next three days. Here in China, Muslims celebrated at a feast organized by China's Islamic Association in the capital Beijing.
The Kurban Bayami began on Feb.1. Over a billion Muslims worldwide will celebrate over the next three days. Here, diplomats from 30 Arab and Muslim countries gather at a hotel in Beijing. The feast is the biggest celebration on the Islamic calendar.
The feast begins with a prayer. They call for peace and goodwill amongst all people, and for an end to war, especially in Islamic countries affected by conflict.
According to tradition, Kurban is celebrated 70 days after the end of the Moslem fast in the holy month of Ramadan. Kurban takes place on the 10th day of the 12th month in the Islamic calendar. It coincides with the pilgrimage to Islam's holiest shrines, and the end of the Hajj in Saudi Arabia. This year, the China Islamic Association arranged for over 4,000 pilgrims to make the trip to Mecca.
According to tradition, the festival begins with prayer, and the slaughter of an animal in memory of Abraham's sacrifice. After this, Muslims worldwide enjoy a day of eating and entertainment. Dance, Song and traditional sports are all part of the celebration.
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Editor: Sun Weichao CCTV.com
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