MILLIONS of Muslims around the world will celebrate Eid in 2019 as they take part in the "festival of the sacrifice".

You may have heard some people using the phrase: "Eid Mubarak", but what does the greeting translate as and is there a specific way to reply?

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Children greet each other after offering Eid al-Fitr prayers which mark the end of Ramadan in Mumbai, IndiaCredit: Reuters

What does Eid Mubarak mean?

Eid Mubarak is a traditional Muslim greeting reserved for the holy festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

"Eid" means "celebration" and "mubarak" means "blessed".

The saying can be translated as "have a blessed holiday".

Is there a reply?

It is then customary to reply "Khair Mubarak".

This reciprocates good wishes in the hope they will also have a "blessed holiday."

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Eid al-Adha is a four-day religious festival celebrating forgiveness and sacrificeCredit: Getty - Contributor

When is Eid al-Adha?

The celebration of Eid al-Adha begins in the evening on August 21, 2018, and end four days later on Saturday, August 25.

Eid-al-Fitr follows a month of fasting for Ramadan in June.

Eid celebrations continue for different lengths of time in different cultures.

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Two men hug in Baghdad, Iraq, on the first day of Eid al-FitrCredit: AP:Associated Press

In Qatar, for example, they celebrate for 11 days. While Oman enjoys a nine-day party.

In the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid al-Adha takes place on the 10th day of the 12th month and lasts for four days until the 13th day.

Muslims begin their celebrations with morning prayers, followed by food and exchanging of gifts with family and friends.

They also share their food and money with the poor so that they can celebrate too.

Source:www.thesun.co.uk/news/3892203/eid-mubarak-meaning-greeting-reply-eid-al-adha-eid/