Eid al-Adha was celebrated across Qatar with religious fervour, joy and piety on Sunday. Tens of thousands of faithful converged on mosques and designated prayer grounds early in the morning for Eid prayers.
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani performed the Eid prayer along with a group of citizens at Al Wajba praying area, the Qatar News Agency reported.
His Highness the Personal Representative of the Amir Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani, and HE Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa al-Thani took part in the prayer. A number of sheikhs, ministers and members of diplomatic corps and citizens joined the prayer.
Sheikh Dr Thaqeel Sayer al-Shammari, judge of the Court of Cassation and Supreme Judiciary Council member, who led the prayer, delivered the Eid sermon in which he urged worshippers to ponder the deep meanings of Eid al-Adha and highlighted the importance of performing the Eid prayer as it is a ritual in Islam.
He also called for increasing the acts of worship, good deeds and devotion, and worship Allah the Almighty and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him.)
In the sermon, Dr al-Shammari highlighted the importance of the day of sacrifice, which was marked Sunday.
He also said Islam is a religion of love and peace.
"This urges us to have a sense of belonging to the nation and that the nation's sons strive to meet its interests and protect it from all evils through co-operation between all on the basis of good governance that is based on justice and love for all, as well as on the basis of promoting unity and love and staying away from intolerance."
After the prayers, the faithful thronged various livestock markets to buy sacrificial animals and get them slaughtered at designated abattoirs. The markets had begun to witness the festive rush a few days ago. 
Large crowds of expatriates could be seen at various parks and public gardens across the country as well as on the Doha Corniche in the afternoon despite the hot weather conditions.
The authorities had made extensive arrangements to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and movement of people between various areas.
As part of the Eid festival, several programmes are being held across the country.
‘Summer in Qatar’ (SiQ) activities, which will continue until August 16, with curated offerings in entertainment, culture, and sports, attracted good crowds Sunday too.
Souq Waqif, Souq Al Wakrah, and Katara – the Cultural Village are hosting vibrant Eid festivities, with cultural performances, musical acts, and special games for children.
Activities for children were spread along the Katara beachfront, including Eid gifts distribution. The day ended with a mesmerising display of fireworks.
At Souq Waqif, Eid al-Adha festivities will begin Monday, and will provide fun for families and children for five days. 
The Eid festivities will be held in a large air-conditioned tent in Al Ahmed arena, and will feature a variety of games and children’s shows, while Souq Waqif Art Centre will hold arts and crafts workshops for children.
Related Story