MOSCOW, October 15 (Itar-Tass) – The life of Russia’s Muslim community is actively developing, enriched with new and important initiatives in the field of culture, education and nurturing of the rising generation, President Vladimir Putin said in a message of congratulation marking the great Muslim holiday of Kurban Bayram - the Feast of Sacrifice - on Tuesday.

“This festival, marking the end of pilgrimage to Islamic holy shrines, is an integral part of our multinational state’s rich religious heritage and has a deep moral significance edifying people’s faith and spirit,” the president’s message said. “The feast reminds us that Islamic traditions are based on timeless values like kindness and justice, mercy and beneficence.”

Increasing attention was being directed at strengthening co-operation with the state and enhancing dialogue between those of the Islamic faith and followers of other traditional Russian religions, Putin said in greeting the four days of Kurban Bayram, one of the two main religious holidays in the Muslim calendar and of a significance akin to Christmas in Christian countries.