Fateha-e-Yazdaham

Fateha-e-Yazdaham a religious festival of Muslims observed on the eleventh (yazdaham, Persian for eleventh) of the Islamic lunar month of Rabi-u-Sani, commemorating the death of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (R), the founder of the qadiriah Sufi order.

Observances include reading the Holy quran, holding milads, discussing the life of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (R), asking for God's blessings through du'a-munajat or supplications (individual and collective), and distributing tabarruk (consecrated food), specially prepared for the occasion. Sessions of qawwali are held in certain areas of Old Dhaka on this occasion. It is an optional holiday in educational institutions. [Mohammad Abdur Rahman Anwari]