Xinhua- - The war-weary people of Afghanistan are celebrating Eidul Fitr the second largest religious festival at the end of Ramadan Monday amid tight security and hopes for better future as many of them are confident that their country moves toward progress.

The first largest religious festival is Eidul-Adha or Eidul Qurban observed during Hajj season 70 days after Ramadan.

"Though the hustle bustle in markets is less than previous year I am sure that the situation would improve as the international community stands along side Afghans," Mohammad Maroof a road side scarf vendor said.

Last year, he added he earned daily up to 1,000 Afghani (U.S. dollars 20) at the last days of Ramadan when the people were getting ready to celebrate Eid while this year hardly earns 500 Afghanis.

To mark the end of Ramadan the Muslims holy fasting month the faithful Afghans like their fellow Muslims in the world wear new dresses and cook special foods especially pastry and sweets to receive their guests.

After offering Eid prayers at mosques the faithful Afghans began visiting their relatives and friends during Eid celebration which lasts for three days. All the three days are public holy days. On the auspices day even the enemies reconcile as it is a religious obligation.

This year, the war-weary Afghans celebrate Eid amid increasing militancy particularly in Afghanistan's southern region where Taliban emerged in 1994 and collapsed under a U.S.-led military campaign in late 2001.

Taliban-led militancy has claimed the lives of more than 2,400 people including the rebels, Afghans, U.S.-dominated foreign troops as well aid workers and pro-government social figures so far in 2006 and thus made the year deadlier than previous one.

Next year for Afghans appear to be bloodier as the elusive chief of Taliban's radical movement Mullah Mohammad Omar has warned of more attacks.

In his message on the eve of Eidul Fitr published by media Omar who has escaped the U.S. military's operation vowed to further intensify attacks.

"I am confident that the fighting will be a surprise for many. I advise the Mujahideen (holy warriors) to maintain unity in their ranks as rift in their ranks affected Jihad (holy war) against the former Soviets," Omar said in his message.

He also stressed that the war next year will be more fierce and bloody by saying, "With the grace of Allah Almighty the fighting will be increased manifold and it would be much more organized."

Militants' regrouping and warning by Mullah Omar has prompted Afghan government to beef up security as personnel of the law enforcing agencies in uniform and plain cloths have been deputed in sensitive areas to meet any untoward incidents.

Nevertheless the militants' threat and going down the business activities the poor but hopeful Afghans are determined to struggle the situation till overcome the problems.

"No doubt the increasing security incident is a matter of concern but I would not migrate again," Abdul Qadir a low grade government employee said.

Qadir who had lived in Pakistan as refugees for more than 10 years and returned home four years ago received 4,500 Afghanis (90 U.S. dollars) as his monthly salary this month said that he can have a happy Eid as he lives among his family and friends.

"I am hopeful to overcome the economic hardship as the government has decided to increase our monthly salaries," a hopeful Qadir added while referring to the Finance Ministry's new scheme.

Afghan Finance Ministry disclosed recently it had drafted a scheme to increase the salaries of state servicemen and if cabinet approves the employees would receive between 4,000 Afghanis (80 U. S. dollars) to 40,000 Afghanis (800 U.S. dollars).

Meantime, an Afghan teen Shaib who works as show polisher says that poor has no Eid.

"I earned up to 250 Afghanis (5 U.S. dollars) on these days last year but so far today this year I have earned 70 Afghanis," Shaib, 13 told Xinhua. Shaib who studies in grade six at a primary school in the Afghan capital and dreams to become a doctor was hopeful about his future saying skirmishes would die in the country.

"I am hopeful that conflicts would over in Afghanistan and thus enable me to become a doctor and serve my countrymen in a peaceful environment," the hardworking Afghan child wished.