AFGHANISTAN, June 15: Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani is touting a three-day cease-fire with the Taliban in an address to the nation heralding the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr.

The holiday marks the end of the Ramadan holy month, when devout Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.

The cease-fire took effect at midnight Thursday and lasts through the three-day holiday.

Ghani is using the opportunity to appeal for a lengthier cease-fire and call for the Taliban come to the negotiating table instead of returning to the battlefield.

The Taliban agreed to the cease-fire but leader Haibaitullah Akhunzada reiterated his demand for talks with the US before sitting down with the Afghan government.

Across Asia, the faithful are celebrating the end of the holy month in Indonesia, Pakistan, Malaysia and the Philippines. AP

KATHMANDU, June 26: Muslims across the country are celebrating Eid-al Fitr with gaiety and offering Namaj prayers since the morning today.

They are marking the festival amidst religious rituals after looking at the crescent moon this morning. Today also marks the end of a month-long fasting known as Roja that is observed by the Muslims in the holy month Ramjan.

In Morang, members of the Muslim community observing the Roja took bath early in the morning today and put on new clothes for the occasion before heading to the mosques for offering the Namaj prayers.

The Muslims, after offering prayers, embrace each other and exchange Eid greetings on the occasion of Eid-al Fitr. They also give donations to the poor and helpless.

They also enjoy special dishes including the pudding of sebai or vermicelli.

Similarly, the festival is being celebrated in a grand manner by the Muslim community in Parsa, Banke, Kathmandu among other districts with a sizeable Muslim population today. RSS

Photos: Mukunda Kalikote