There are several festivals which are celebrated in Pakistan. These festivals have both religious and psychological importance. On these occasions, people perform certain rites and thank God for the blessings that He upon them. They gather together at some place and offer prayers according to the teachings and dogmas of their religion. The rich give alms to the poor relatives, friends and neighbours pay special visits to one another. They enjoy and rejoice in the same way and in the same manner.
Such festivals have also psychological significance. These festivals bring all the members on one platform and remove all social discriminations. These are necessary to purify us.
Eid ul azha is also such an occasion that is celebrated every year with full religious fervour. It is also called Eid Qurban , sacrifice, as practised by Holly Prophet Abraham (A.S.) is an essential religious rite in memory of the sacrifice preformed by Prophet Abraham (A.S.) . God put Abraham (A.S.) to most difficult trial and he succeeded. The aim of sacrifice, like all other fundamentals of Islam is to be imbibe piety and self righteousness. It has also promoted the sacrifice for a right cause.
To explain its purpose God says in Quran.
"It is their piety
that reaches God."
On Eid Ul Azha, all the permissible (Halal) domesticated animals can be offered for Qurbani. Generally slaughter of goat, sheep, cows and camels is offered. Allah says about this holy act in these words,
"There is no better
act in the view of Allah
then shredding the blood."
After Qurbani, Meat divided according to the teachings of Islam. Dainty and delicious dishes are prepared at home . So such festivals serve as an 'overhaul' of our mind, body and soul and bring about positive and constructive changes in our personality.
Apart from religious purpose, the occasion of Eid provides economic activity.
There is a great shopping spree for ten days. Both the rich and the poor makes purchases for the members of their families and especially for the children who also receive "Eidi" from their elders on Eid dayy. The shopkeeper reap a rich harvest of profits. This trend must be checked. we must keep in mind the spirit of such festivals. They are not meantf i r the personal aggrandizement or personal gain. This main purpose of these festivals is to bring hope and happiness in the life of those from whom fate has turned its face.