A majority of Muslims in The Gambia join the rest of the Islamic world to observe Eid-ul-Fitr on Tuesday, marking an end to the holy month of Ramadan.
Congregational prayers in Banjul and across the country took place on Tuesday but others will observe the feast on Wednesday heralding an end to a month of fasting which officially began in The Gambia on May 6th.
After the Supreme Islamic Council reported a sighting of the moon in The Gambia after the end of 29 days of dawn to dusk fasting on Monday, a section of the Muslim community join Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam and other countries in the Middle East and Africa to observe Eid on Tuesday.
Other Muslims in the country will pray 24 hours later.
President Adama Barrow accompanied by members of his government prayed at the central mosque in the capital Banjul and enjoined the Muslim faithfuls in the country to be united in peace and prosperity.
The Eid occasion is usually festive around The Gambia where Muslim devotees mostly dressed in colourful attires, perform congregational prayers before visiting family, friends and neighbours near and far to pray for God’s mercy and wish each other well.
A statement from State House says President Adama Barrow has declared Tuesday 4th June and Wednesday 5th June as public holidays throughout The Gambia in observance of Eid-ul-Fitr which may be observed through the course of these two days.
WN/as/APA