Tobaski / KORITEH DAY also known as Eid al-Adha
Tobaski, also known as Eid al-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice, is a major Islamic festival that is celebrated annually by Muslims worldwide. The exact date of the festival is determined by the Islamic calendar, which is based on the sighting of the moon. It typically falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar.
The festival commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. According to Islamic tradition, as Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, God intervened and provided a ram as a substitute sacrifice. Muslims observe this event by sacrificing an animal, usually a sheep or a goat, and sharing the meat with family, friends, and those in need.
In The Gambia, Tobaski is a public holiday, and Muslims across the country dress in new clothes, attend special prayers at the mosque, and participate in the sacrifice of animals. The meat from the sacrifice is distributed to family, friends, and the less fortunate in the community. It is a time of joy, generosity, and unity for the Muslim community in The Gambia.
During Tobaski/Koriteh Day, Muslims typically gather for special morning prayers and then spend the day with family and friends. Many families also prepare special meals, often featuring lamb or other meats from the sacrificed animal. In some communities, there may be parades or other festivities to celebrate the occasion. It is also common for Muslims to give to charity during this time, both to help those in need and as an act of faith and generosity.