Kyrgyz president congratulates Muslims on Kurman Ait, urges them to realize value of peace, unity in country
BISHKEK/OSH. Sept 12 (Interfax) - Kyrgyz Muslims have marked the Kurman Ait (Kurban Bayram) holiday with prayers.
"All rights and freedoms of believers are guaranteed in independent and democratic Kyrgyzstan, and main religious holidays have been declared national," Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev said in his greetings on Monday.
"Kurman Ait, the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of the two great holidays of Islam. It symbolizes peace, charity and unity, care for the near and compassion for the needy," the presidential press service quoted Atambayev as saying.
Kurman Ait, together with other religious holidays of the people of Kyrgyzstan, has become a landmark event in the spiritual life of Kyrgyz citizens and strengthening of moral values and public unity, the Kyrgyz president said. "On this day we give alms to the needy, visit our kin, neighbors and friends, pray for the deceased, receive guests, congratulate each other, and take pleasure in celebrations," he said.
"Islam is based on the ideas of peace, patience and spirituality. What is happening in various parts of the globe makes us realize the value of peace and unity in our native land," Atambayev said.
The Kyrgyz president wished concord, peace and prosperity to all compatriots. "May Kurman Ait bring warmth and joy to every home, to every family. May this holiday multiply our spiritual strength, promote spiritual revival of society and promote good deeds," the president said.
Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sooronbai Jeenbekov took part in the festive prayer in the central square of Bishkek and congratulated citizens on the holiday.
"We have just marked the 25th anniversary of the independent Kyrgyz Republic and have successfully hosted the Second World Nomad Games. Now we are celebrating the Kurman Ait sacred holiday together. It is a blessing for the Kyrgyz land. We should value every moment of our life," he said.
Citizens of Kyrgyzstan should place unity and public accord above everything else, Jeenbekov said.
More than 10,000 persons attended the morning prayer in the center of Osh in southern Kyrgyzstan, the city administration said. First deputy head of the presidential administration Aaly Karashev, Osh Mayor Aitmamat Kadyrbayev, First Deputy Interior Minister Suyun Omurzakov, and Governmental Representative to the Osh Region Taalai Sarybashev congratulated the Muslims on the holiday.
September 12 is a day off in Kyrgyzstan due to the Kurman Ait celebrations. Festive prayers were held in every large city of the republic. The prayer in the central square of Bishkek was joined by Prime Minister Sooronbai Jeenbekov, Bishkek Mayor Albek Ibraimov and a number of parliament deputies.
Security was tightened during Kurman Ait celebrations. Police maintained the peace and safe road traffic at every site where people were praying, from early morning until the end of prayers.
