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Friday, 12 October 2007, 16:19 GMT 17:19 UK

In pictures: Eid festival

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The Empire State Building in New York is lit up in green to mark the Islamic festival of Eid.

Muslim women attend a morning prayer marking the start of Eid al-Fitr at a beach in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Muslim women attend a morning prayer marking the start of Eid al-Fitr at a beach in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

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Muslims across the world are celebrating Eid, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

A young boy stands among worshippers as thousands of Filipino Muslims bow in prayer to celebrate Eid

A young boy stands among worshippers as thousands of Filipino Muslims bow in prayer to celebrate Eid

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As the festival began, Muslims gathered for early morning prayers, like this group in the Philippines.

Boys attend Eid al-Fitr dawn prayers at a mosque in Riffa, Bahrain

Boys attend Eid al-Fitr dawn prayers at a mosque in Riffa, Bahrain

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Boys attend dawn prayers at a mosque in Riffa, Bahrain.

A Muslim girl takes part in a morning prayer marking the start Eid al-Fitr in Jakarta, Indonesia

A Muslim girl takes part in a morning prayer marking the start Eid al-Fitr in Jakarta, Indonesia

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In Indonesia, which has the world's largest population of Muslims, Eid is known as Hari Raya Idul Fitri - the Great Day of Celebration.

Indonesian Muslims pray in Denpasar on the Indonesian island of Bali

Indonesian Muslims pray in Denpasar on the Indonesian island of Bali

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Eid is a time for spiritual renewal, as well as celebration and feasting with friends and relatives.

Filipino Muslim families enjoy their breakfast after early morning prayer celebrating Eid al-Fitr, at Rizal park in Manila

Filipino Muslim families enjoy their breakfast after early morning prayer celebrating Eid al-Fitr, at Rizal park in Manila

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Muslims celebrate not only the end of fasting, but also thank God for the strength they believe he gave them during Ramadan to help them practise self-control.

Homebound people crowd to board a passenger train in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Homebound people crowd to board a passenger train in Dhaka, Bangladesh

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Many people living and working in the Bangladeshi capital made arduous journeys to celebrate Eid in their hometowns.

Iraqi Sunni worshippers attend an Eid al-Fitr prayer at Baghdad's al-Shawy Sunni mosque

Iraqi Sunni worshippers attend an Eid al-Fitr prayer at Baghdad's al-Shawy Sunni mosque

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In Iraq, Eid began for Sunni Muslims on Thursday evening and began for Shia Muslims at sunset on Friday.

Afghan Muslim perform prayers at a mosque in Herat

Afghan Muslim perform prayers at a mosque in Herat

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Millions of Afghans began Eid celebrations with prayers, and will visit relatives and friends to offer sweets and enjoy specially prepared meals.

Palestinians pray in the West Bank town of Jenin

Palestinians pray in the West Bank town of Jenin

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Thousands of Palestinians gathered in the Gaza Strip and across the West Bank for dawn prayers.

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