People of various ethnic groups in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwest China, held a gathering Thursday to celebrate the Corban Festival, one of the most important Islamic holidays.
The Corban Festival, celebrated by about 17 million people from 10 ethnic groups in China, including the Hui and Uygur nationalities, which believe in Islam, falls on the 10th day of the last month of the Hui (Chinese Muslim) calendar.
This year's Corban Festival falls on February 22 and coincides with the Spring Festival period (New Year by the traditional Chinese lunar calendar).
Officials of the regional government also attended the gathering in honor of all Muslims living in the region.
The Muslims, caught up in a festive atmosphere, expressed satisfaction with the country and region's economic development and social stability.
The country's strategy to further develop the vast western area will further boost the region's economic and social growth.
They also expressed happiness at China's entering the World Trade Organization and the success of Beijing's bid for the 2008 Olympic Games.
The nearly 10 million Muslims living in the region have a three-day holiday to celebrate Corban.
(Xinhua News Agency February 22, 2002)
