Celebrated : Throughout the country
Also known as : Id-Ul-Fitr
Time : Ninth month of Islamic calendar


About Eid ul-Fitr
Eid ul-Fitr is one of the most important Islamic festivals that marks the end of the one month long fasting of Ramadan. Fitr in Arabic means to end the fast and symbolises therefore the end of the long fasting month. The auspicious day starts with the entire family getting up early in the morning and then after offering prayers to the lord, eating a small quantity of food and thus symbolizing the end of Ramadan. The Muslims are then required to attend a special prayer ceremony held in mosques. The prayer ceremony is followed by an entire day of merrymaking, feasting and rejoicing. People visit their relatives and friends and together pray for the happiness and prosperity of one another.

The auspicious day is decided by the sighting of the moon and therefore there may be regional differences in the exact day of the celebrations. In some parts of the world, Eid is thus celebrated one day after the others. In most cases, the local mosques and other senior members of the community decide on the day according to the sighting of the moon.
About Ramadan
Fasting is considered to be the fourth pillar of Islam and is practiced by every Muslim in the auspicious month of Ramadan. Ramadan or Ramzan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, considered to be the most venerated of all the months. Fasting, prayers and self control are some of the things stressed at the time. Allah has prescribed fasting daily for all able bodied Muslims during the entire month, commencing the day of the full moon.

History of Eid
The history of this auspicious festival dates back to 624 when Eid was celebrated for the first time by Muhammad and his companions after winning the battle of Badr. This very occassion, since the time has been celebrated as Eid every year.

Eid ul-Fitr Celebrations
The month of Ramadan is a time when the Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, pray rigorously and observe religious values in a strict manner. The night before Eid is known as Chand Raat when people visit the local market along with their families and for the festival shopping. Women paint their hands in beautiful hand prints and wear bright colored bangles. People greet each other by saying Eid Mubarak while children also sometimes obtain cash money from the elders, known as Eidi.

The day of Eid ul-Fitr begins early in the morning, when after having a bath people wear new clothes and the men go the mosque for offering prayers, thanking Allah for granting them the strength to observe the holy month of Ramadan. The well to do Muslims pay Zakat al fitr or charity money to their brethren in need to help them join in the celebrations.

An entire day of rejoicing follows the prayers. Their is a feast prepared in every household and people visit their friends and family members. Together they pray for the well being and prosperity of all human beings. Some Muslims visit graveyards to pray for the salvation of their dear departed. A special dish prepared on this occassion is the 'sevvaya', made of milk and toasted vermicelli.