TEHRAN (Tasnim) � Iranian Muslims on Saturday celebrated the religious festivity of Eid al-Fitr, marking an end to the holy month of Ramadan by taking part in nationwide prayers.

Saturday was announced to be the Eid al-Fitr after the crescent of the new moon of Shawwal was sighted in the country last night.

Iranians worshippers took part in prayers all over the country during the holiday of Eid al-Fitr, known as one of the main festivals in the Islamic calendar.

Eid-al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.

Also called Feast of Breaking the Fast, Eid al-Fitr is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide.

The solemn festival is a specific day on which Muslims are not permitted to fast.

The holiday celebrates the conclusion of 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. The day of Eid, therefore, falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal.

The exact date for the start of any lunar month varies based on the observation of new moon by local religious authorities, so the day of celebration varies by locality.

Eid al-Fitr has a particular Salat (Islamic prayer) which is generally offered in an open field or a large hall with congregation in attendance.

By Tasnim News Agency