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INCREDIBLE photos of people cramming onto overflowing trains and boats have emerged ahead of one of Islam's most important religious festivals.

Pictures taken in Bangladesh and Pakistan show the start of epic Eid al-Fitr migration as tens of thousands scramble for a prize place on public transport.

Eid-al-Fitr translates as 'breaking of the fast' and is a key date in Islam's holy calendar
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Eid-al-Fitr translates as 'breaking of the fast' and is a key date in Islam's holy calendarCredit: EPA
Bangladeshis cram onto a train as they travel back home to meet their families ahead of Eid al-Fitr
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Bangladeshis cram onto a train as they travel back home to meet their families ahead of Eid al-FitrCredit: AFP or licensors
People travel home on a packed ferry for the festival which marks the end of Ramadam
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 People dangle off a packed ferry ahead of the much-loved festival which marks the end of RamadamCredit: Barcroft Media

Railway station platforms are seen overflowing with passengers as workers head back to their homes to spend the holiday with their families.

People can be seen hauling heavy bags, boxes, cases and sacks onto the roofs of trains while others risk their lives by hanging off the side of ships.

The streets are packed as people made their way towards mobbed ferry terminals and train stations by any means possible.

Eid or Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, which is a month of fasting that started on May 5 and finishes today.

The festival kick-starts the month of Shawwal, which begins with a feast to end the long period of fasting.

It is believed that good deeds are rewarded 10 times in Islam and so to fast for the 30 days fulfils the obligation of fasting for the entire year.

Traditionally, the festival last for three days but public holidays can vary in different countries around the world.

As in previous years, the Muslim world was split on when the start of Eid is, as it's based on sighting the new moon by eye.

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Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE start Eid today, whereas Egypt, Syria, Jordan and others won't start till tomorrow.

It is a celebratory festival and men and women will dress up for the occasion - with some painting their hands in henna.

Friends and family gather together to exchange gifts and money and eat traditional food. Muslims also take part in prayer services and attend a sermon after dawn.

People try to leap onto a moving train as it passes through the station at Dhaka
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People try to leap onto a moving train as it passes through the station at Dhaka, BangladeshCredit: AFP or licensors
The end of Ramadan is marked on the 29th day if a new moon is sighted, and if not it extends to a 30th day
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 The end of Ramadan is marked on the 29th day if a new moon is sighted, and if not it extends to a 30th dayCredit: Barcroft Media
Muslims girls show their hands painted with henna at a Mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan
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Muslims girls show their hands painted with henna at a Mosque in Peshawar, PakistanCredit: AP:Associated Press
A Muslim girl picks up a mobile phone after attending Eid al-Fitr prayers at the Jamia Mosque in Nairobi, Kenya
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A Muslim girl picks up a mobile phone after attending Eid al-Fitr prayers at the Jamia Mosque in Nairobi, KenyaCredit: AFP or licensors
Albanian Muslims pray at Skenderbej square on the first day of the Muslim festival
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Albanian Muslims pray at Skenderbej square on the first day of the Muslim festivalCredit: AFP or licensors
Kuwait Muslims greet each other after attending a morning prayer session
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Kuwait Muslims greet each other after attending a morning prayer sessionCredit: EPA
Over 100,000 Muslims attend Europe’s largest Eid celebration in Birmingham today
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Over 100,000 Muslims attend Europe’s largest Eid celebration in Birmingham todayCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
One Bangladeshi climbs through the window of a packed train as it pulls away from the platform
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One Bangladeshi climbs through the window of a packed train as it pulls away from the platformCredit: EPA
Passengers climbs up the side of a bridge to grab a spot on the roof of a train
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Passengers climb up the side of a bridge to grab a spot on the roof of a trainCredit: EPA
Bangladeshis cover themselves from the rain as they wait for the next train to arrive
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Bangladeshis shelter themselves from the rain as they wait for the next train to arriveCredit: AFP or licensors
Traditionally, the important religious festival lasts for four days but public holidays vary around the world
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The important religious festival lasts for three days but public holidays vary around the worldCredit: AFP or licensors
Millions of Muslims across the globe cram onto trains and ferries for the holy pilgrimage
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Millions of Muslims across the globe will cram onto trains and ferries for the holy pilgrimageCredit: Barcroft Media
One woman is given a helping hand as she climbs up onto a train in Bangladesh
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One woman is given a helping hand as she climbs up onto the top of a train in BangladeshCredit: EPA
A Pakistani customer shows her decorated hands with henna designs at a beauty salon ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday, in Karachi
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A Pakistani woman shows her decorated hands with henna designs at a beauty salon in KarachiCredit: AFP or licensors
People could be seen carrying heavy bags or transporting their belongings on their head
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People could be seen carrying heavy bags or transporting their belongings on their headCredit: Barcroft Media

 

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