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Eid ul-Fitr popularly
called Eid is an Islamic festival. The term 'Eid' has been
derived from the Arabic word ‘oud’, which means ‘the return’
implying the return of the festival each year; Fitr means ‘to
breakfast’. Celebrated after the end of the Islamic month of
Ramadan, on the first day of Shawwal, it symbolizes the breaking
of the fasting period..
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Celebrations:
It is one of most important festivals for Muslims across the
world. Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations vary across countries; in South
Asian countries like India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal the
celebrations are for three days. Eid is a public holiday and the
festival is celebrated all over India.
The night before Eid is called ‘Chand Raat’ meaning ‘night of
the moon’. The festival begins with the sighting of the new
crescent moon in the evening of the last day of Ramadan. People
rejoice at the sight of the moon which signifies an end to their
month-long fast and the beginning of celebrations.
People decorate their homes and buy new clothes for themselves.
Women apply mehendi (heena) on their hands and wear colourful
traditional clothes and bangles. Sweets are prepared at home.
People wake up early in the morning, after having a bath, get
dressed in their best clothes. They have a light breakfast,
generally dates, before they leave to attend the special Eid
prayer called ‘Salah’. Women are exempted from this prayer. The
prayer is performed publicly at mosques or open areas or fields
which can accommodate large number of people.
Salah is followed by ‘Khutbah’ and then ‘dua’ where people ask
Allah for forgiveness. People embrace the person sitting on
either side wishing them Eid. People generally visit graveyards
after Salah to pray for the departed family members, a custom
known as ‘Ziyarat al-qubur’.
People visit their friends, relatives and acquaintances and
greet each other by saying ‘Eid-Mubarak’, they exchange wishes
and gifts. According to the tradition, exchanging gifts on the
holy festival strengthens the bond of love between people.
Religious books, CDs, clothes, dry fruits and sweets are some
admired Eid gifts. Sending Eid greeting cards to loved ones who
are far off is a great way to express your sentiments on the
occasion. Eid cards are gaining popularity since they can be
given in person, sent through courier or over the internet in
the form of e-cards. They are available in various themes for
friends and family. Children are given small sums of money (Eidi)
on the day by their elders.
Significance:
Eid-ul-Fitr is a distinctive festival. It doesn’t have any
connections with any historical event or changes of seasons or
harvest and agriculture like a lot of Hindu festivals. Its
importance is purely spiritual. It is the day when the Muslims
thank Allah for everything he has given them including the will
to successfully keep all fasts. It is believed that He gives
infinitely to those who are sincerely concerned with the general
welfare of their fellow believers. Eid is a day when Muslims ask
Allah for forgiveness for their sins. The festival brings
happiness, spreads the message of brotherhood, peace and
prosperity.
Author: Ms Coutinho
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