Russian Muslims celebrated the feast of sacrifice - Kurban-Bairam (Eid al-Adha).
Festive worships were held throughout the country. The most numerous were held in the regions where the population traditionally professes Islam (Crimea, Chechnya, Dagestan, Kabardino-Balkaria, Ingushetia, Adygea, Karachay-Cherkessia, Tatarstan, Bashkortostan), and in two capital cities - Moscow and St. Petersburg. There were specially designated areas for the ritual of sacrifice. The Muslims gave the meat to the poor and needy.
The government of Dagestan declared August 12 (Monday) a day off. The head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov signed a decree on two days off in connection with the celebration of Kurban-Bairam - August 12 and 13. August 12 is also declared a day off in Bashkortostan and Crimea.
Traditionally, Muslim organizations held not only religious activities. For example, the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan organized a family festival "Kurban-fest: give warmth" for all citizens regardless of religion and nationality.
Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed a congratulatory message to the 20-million Russian Ummah. Chairman of the group of strategic vision "Russia - Islamic world", President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov prayed in Galeevskaya mosque in Kazan.
Here are photos from Kurban-Bairam in different regions of Russia.
Moscow Cathedral Mosque. Photo: Mikhail Tereshchenko / TASS
Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin. Photo: Vyacheslav Prokofiev / TASS
Eid al-Adha in St. Petersburg. Photo: Roman Pimenov / TASS
Galeev mosque in Kazan. Photo: official website of the President of Tatarstan
Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha, Kazan. Photo: official website of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Tatarstan
Sermon in Simferopol (Crimea). Photo: Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Crimea
Sermon in Simferopol (Crimea). Photo: Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Crimea
Talgat Tajuddin, Ufa. Photo: Central Spiritual Administration of Muslims
Ufa. Photo: Central Spiritual Administration of Muslims
Group of Strategic Vision "Russia - Islamic World"