In a remarkable continuation of a century-old tradition, over 200 devout followers of the Qadriya Sufi order across five villages in Begumganj, Kabirhat, and Noakhali Sadar upazilas will observe Eid al-Fitr a day earlier than the national celebration. This observance aligns with the lunar calendar used in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the spiritual and historical adherence of the community to longstanding Sufi customs.
The festivities are scheduled for Friday, 20 March 2026, with congregational prayers to be held in ten local mosques across the three upazilas. Villagers will assemble for Eid prayers at 8:00 am, upholding rituals and traditions passed down through generations.
The five participating villages include:
Lakshminarayanpur and Harinarayanpur in Noakhali Municipality
Ramabhallavpur in Ghoshbagh Union, Kabirhat
Basantbag and Fazilpur in Gopalpur Union, Begumganj
Followers of the Qadriya order emphasise that their practices are deeply rooted in the teachings of the revered Sufi saint, Abdul Qadir Jilani (R.), and consistently mirror the religious observances of Saudi Arabia. This tradition encompasses not only the early celebration of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, but also the subsequent observance of Eid al-Adha.
Mohammad Siraj Mia, a Qadriya adherent from Basantbag, explained, “Following the path of our ancestors, we begin our fasts and celebrate Eid in accordance with Saudi Arabia’s lunar calendar. This practice is a vital part of our spiritual heritage and is maintained without deviation every year.”
Authorities have implemented precautionary measures to ensure a safe and peaceful celebration. T.M. Mosharraf Hossain, Superintendent of Police, Noakhali, confirmed that law enforcement agencies have finalised maximum security preparations across the villages to maintain order and safeguard participants during the Eid prayers.
Eid Observance in Noakhali Villages: Key Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, 20 March 2026 |
| Occasion | Eid al-Fitr (Qadriya Sufi order observance) |
| Participating Villages | Lakshminarayanpur, Harinarayanpur, Ramabhallavpur, Basantbag, Fazilpur |
| Upazilas | Begumganj, Kabirhat, Noakhali Sadar |
| Number of Participants | Over 200 devout followers |
| Prayer Venues | 10 local mosques across the three upazilas |
| Eid Prayer Time | 8:00 am |
| Tradition | Qadriya Sufi practices aligned with Saudi Arabia |
| Security Measures | Maximum police preparedness to ensure peaceful observance |
This early celebration underscores the resilience and continuity of Sufi traditions in Noakhali, highlighting the community’s dedication to spiritual discipline and ancestral customs. Villagers have expressed pride and joy at preserving their unique cultural heritage, while local authorities have pledged to ensure a secure and harmonious environment for the observance.
The event also serves as a reminder of the diversity within Bangladesh’s Muslim communities, where regional and spiritual traditions continue to shape religious observances in meaningful ways.