Eid ul-Fitr, Eid al-Fitr, Id-ul-Fitr, or Id al-Fitr (Arabic: عيد الفطر ‘Īdu l-Fiṭr), often abbreviated to Eid, is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting (sawm). Eid is an Arabic word meaning "festivity," while Fiṭr means "breaking (the fast)". The holiday celebrates the conclusion of the thirty days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. The first day of Eid, therefore, falls on the first day of the month Shawwal.
On this special day, the Muslims indulge in traditional activities aside from celebrating with their dear ones. Read on to know about Eid Ul Fitr celebrations in different parts of the world. United States: Eid Ul Fitr is not declared as a federal holiday in the United States. On this day, the Muslims get up early to offer prayers at the mosque or on their outdoor space. They get new clothes for this occasion and decorate their homes with special lighting. The Muslims also offer money to the poor on the Eid Ul Fitr.
The Eid Ul Fitr is the day when the Muslims in United States take delight in preparing recipes and sharing a special meal with their friends and family. They also thank God for all the good things they’ve received in their lives.
India: The Eid Ul Ftr is considered as a national holiday in India. People gather at the Jama Masjid mosque in New Delhi to offer their prayers to God. On this special day, the Muslims try out different recipes including sweet delicacies. Most of them indulge in Eid Ul Fitr celebrations by preparing a special dish – the ‘Siwaiyaan’. This recipe is actually made of toasted sweet vermicelli noodles, dried fruits, and milk. This is the day when the Muslims send Eid Ul Fitr cards to their loved ones and convey their best wishes on this festive occasion.
United Arab Emirates (UAE): The people of UAE indulge in Eid Ul Fitr celebrations with great enthusiasm. They usually wear white dresses with a long traditional ‘Thoub’ and ‘Ogal’. The ‘Ogal’ is a scarf having check patterns; it is attached with a black turban. Wearing these white dresses, the people offer prayers at the mosque. They also offer gifts to their loved ones on this special day. On the Eid Ul Fitr, festive fairs are held throughout the United Arab Emirates. The women paint their hands with henna and prepare sweets to gift to their dear ones on this day.
An important celebration of the Eid Ul Fitr is kissing the right hand of a senior person and placing it on one’s forehead while wishing that the person enjoys the festival with mirth and joy. The kids convey their wishes to their dear ones by visiting their relatives’ houses. In return they’re gifted with candies and sweets that they love to savor.
Canada: Eid Ul Fitr is not a national public holiday in Canada. However, the Muslims participate in Eid Ul Fitr celebrations and enjoy the festival with great enthusiasm. They wake up early in the morning and offer outdoor prayers. Just like the Muslims worldwide, the Muslims in Canada also wear the finest clothes and decorate their homes with special lighting. People gather together in Ottawa to celebrate the festive occasion.
Ideas to Celebrate the Eid Ul Fitr
You may celebrate the Eid Ul Fitr by shopping around for new clothes. Go for a gift exchange with your family members and friends. An interesting idea is to engrave your dear ones’ names on each ‘Kufi’ (round cap) and let them choose a cap to find out to whom that person should offer a gift.An important part of Eid Ul Fitr celebrations is to express warm wishes to your neighbors and invite them for a meal. An interesting idea is to celebrate the Eid Ul Fitr with poor children. The Muslims are actually advised to offer 3 kilograms of one’s daily ration or its equivalent cash to the poor on this occasion.
If you’re looking for ideas on how to celebrate the Eid Ul Fitr, check out how the festival is celebrated across various countries. You’ll come to know how best you can enjoy the day.
