Millions of Muslims around the world are celebrating Eid al-Adha, which marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
The Eid al-Adha (the greater Eid) is one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar, along with the Eid al-Fitr (the lesser Eid) some two months earlier, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
In Baidoa, thousands of people came out to open-air venues on the outskirts of the restive Bay Region capital Baiao to take part in the mass prayers to celebrate the annual Muslim Eid al-Adha.
Wearing their best clothes, Somali men, women and children gathered to listen to sermons given by local religious leaders.
During the festival people are encouraged to forgive and wish each other a happy, peaceful and prosperous year.
South West state of Somalia officials have also taken part in mass prayers held in Dr. Ayub Stadium of the capital Baidoa.
After Eid al-Adha prayers, Muslims traditionally sacrifice animals — ‘Udhiyah’ in Arabic — to commemorate the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to obey God’s command by sacrificing his son Ismail.
1.5 million Muslim pilgrims are completing their ritual journey to the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, known as the Hajj.
