In Pictures: Bangladesh Muslim festival

It is one of the largest gathering of Muslims in the world. An estimated two million people have travelled to the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, for three days of worship.

From dawn, huge columns of devotees began streaming towards the gathering site on the banks of the river Turag in Tongi for the World Muslim Congregation.

Travellers coming to the festival through dense fog from far-flung villages endured overcrowded ferries, buses and trains in addition to the inevitable security checks.

But those who made the effort were not disappointed. They were met with a sea of colour, a cacophony of noise and a over-riding sense of religious goodwill and harmony.

The gathering - at which Muslims pray and listen to religious scholars - was first held in the 1960s and was launched to encourage people to follow Islam in their daily lives.

Police said that five million people altogether are expected to attend, including representatives from abroad. Bangladesh is one of the largest Muslim countries in the world.

A huge logistical exercise is required to feed so many people. Local markets within earshot of sermons preached through giant loudspeakers are doing a roaring trade.

Back

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Next