The seven-day nationwide Eid-ul-Azha holiday began yesterday, with millions leaving Dhaka and other major cities for their village homes amid forecasts of rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds.

Government, semi-government, autonomous and private offices will remain closed from May 25 to May 31 under the government holiday schedule.

Eid is set to be celebrated across the country on Thursday.

The extended break was declared earlier this month to ease pressure on highways, rail routes and waterways during the Eid rush. The cabinet approved the seven-day holiday on May 7.

Crowds could be seen at bus terminals, railway stations and launch ghats after office hours ended on Sunday in the capital.

Large crowds were also seen at Gabtoli, Mohakhali, Gulistan and Sayedabad bus terminals yesterday. Many passengers said they started early to avoid last-minute pressure. Most long-distance buses were leaving on schedule, although passengers on some routes reported delays.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, in its 120-hour forecast issued at 9:00am yesterday, said rain or thundershowers with temporary gusty or squally wind and lightning may occur in Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions today.

Similar weather may occur in Rajshahi, Dhaka and Chattogram divisions and the Khulna and Barishal divisions today. Moderately heavy to heavy rainfall may occur in Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions.

The day before Eid may see wider rainfall. The Met office forecast rain or thundershowers with temporary gusty or squally wind and lightning in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Sylhet, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram divisions tomorrow.

The weather on Eid day is likely to remain the same. On Thursday, rain or thundershowers with temporary gusty or squally wind and lightning may occur in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Sylhet, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram divisions.

On Friday, the day after Eid, rain or thundershowers with temporary gusty or squally wind and lightning may occur in many places of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Chattogram, Sylhet, Dhaka, Khulna and Barishal divisions.

The BMD also said the rainfall trend may continue for five more days after Friday.