Eidul Azha being celebrated in Saudi Arabia, several other countries

RIYADH – Muslims are celebrating Eidul Azha, one of the most important Islamic festivals, in several countries across the country.

Over 100,000 Muslims offered Eid prayers in Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Muslims traditionally mark Eid Al Azha by slaughtering animals with the meat shared among family and given to the poor.

This year, the holiday – which starts on Tuesday – comes as many countries battle the Delta variant first identified in India, prompting some to impose new restrictions or issue appeals for people to avoid congregating and follow safety protocols.

The pandemic has already taken a toll for the second year on a sacred mainstay of Islam, the Hajj pilgrimage, whose last days coincide with Eid Al-Azha. Once drawing some 2.5 million Muslims from across the globe to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the Islamic pilgrimage has been dramatically scaled back due to the virus.

This year, 60,000 vaccinated Saudi citizens or residents of Saudi Arabia have been allowed to perform the Hajj, preventing Muslims from other countries from fulfilling the Islamic obligation.