site.btaMRF-New Beginning Leader Peevski: Let Us Be Better to Each Other, Seek What Unites Us

Greeting Muslims on the occasion of Kurban Bayram, Delyan Peevski, leader of MRF - New Beginning, said: "Only together and strong in faith and care for the people will we achieve a better life, a safer Bulgaria for our children and prosperity for all Bulgarian citizens."

"On this holy day for the Muslim community, let us each open our hearts to those in need, be better to one another and seek what unites us," he said.

"As the leader of MRF, I believe that the New Beginning we have set will make us more cohesive, united and strong. And that through our actions today, we will leave a better and peaceful world for the generations to come," Peevski further said. 

Kurban Bayram (Eid al-Adha, or Feast of the Sacrifice) is celebrated for four days, during which families meet and take forgiveness. The day heralding the coming of Bayram is called Arafat Day. Then women knead mekitsa, home-made cakes, prepare halva and distribute the food to their neighbours, relatives and friends for the souls of the deceased. On the first day of the holiday, a traditional prayer called Bayram Namaz is said in which only men participate. It is preceded by the customary morning prayer, Sabah Namaz, and the time between the two is filled with the reading of sermons specially prepared for the occasion. A major tradition of the festival is the sacrifice of animals for health, success, and prosperity. Tradition dictates that the wealthy give a portion of the sacrificed animal to relatives and poor families.