Muslims will celebrate Kurban Bayram, the festival of sacrifice, starting June 5th at sunset, with prayers on June 6th and celebrations continuing until sunset on June 8th. The annual event will see hundreds of Muslims gathering near the Vysotsky Stavropegic Monastery in Serpukhov for morning prayers on June 6th.

The location for the Kurban Bayram prayer has been traditionally designated in the parking lot near the monastery. This year, as in previous years, the event is expected to draw a large crowd of worshippers.

Road closures will be in effect to accommodate the influx of people attending the morning prayer. Bezymyanny Lane and Kaluzhsky Passage, from Kaluzhskaya Street to Kaluzhsky Lane, will be closed to traffic.

Most residents of Serpukhov appear unfazed by the proximity of the Muslim celebration to the Orthodox monastery. Many have expressed a tolerant view, acknowledging Russia’s multicultural nature. Some residents support the celebration, emphasizing the importance of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect between different faiths.

Concerns have been raised by some residents regarding the traditional sacrifice of animals, specifically rams, during Kurban Bayram. These individuals worry about the practice taking place near the monastery walls.

The Muslim Board of the Moscow Region has assured the public that the animal sacrifices will be conducted in designated locations. Mufti Rushan Abbyasov, Chairman of the DUM of the Moscow Region, emphasized that the rituals should only be performed at farms and slaughterhouses, as agreed upon with Moscow Region authorities. He urged Muslims to avoid performing sacrifices in courtyards or playgrounds.

Designated locations for the sacrifice rituals in the Moscow Region include farms and slaughterhouses in areas such as Chekhov, Domodedovo, Kolomna, Shchelkovo, Ramenskoye and Ruza. These locations have been pre-approved for the performance of the traditional animal sacrifice.