Among Muslim festivals, Eid-ul-Fitr, the 'fast-breaking'
festival stands out in its popularity and religious significance. Eid-ul-Fitr
is a celebratory day that generates the deep devotion and surrender to Allah
during Ramadan. It refers to the breaking of the month-long routine of fasting
from sunrise to sunset. 'Eid' itself implies a 'festive' occasion that spreads
joy and happiness all around. It is the momentous day of Eid-ul-Fitr that hails
the Shawwal month. Eid is a three-day long celebration that reaffirms the
ideals of piety, empathy, charity and solidarity among Muslims all over the
world. It is celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm and affection.
Eid-ul-Fitr
Significance
The importance of Eid-ul-Fitr is associated with an actual
event in the history of Islam. Allah sent an angel to reveal his words over a
period of 23 years. These teachings formed the Holy Quran. Following the
successful completion of the month of Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr becomes a great
occasion to thank Allah for giving believers the will-power and endurance to
observe the month-long fast and follow rules in personal conduct. It is also a
time to renew one's faith in Allah and seek his blessings. The Islamic practice
of giving 'zakat' is also upheld during this time. Just before Eid, Muslims
part with some portion of their earnings and grains for the poor, so that they
too can celebrate Eid with full fervour.
On this fortunate day of Eid-ul-Fitr festival, morning
prayers are followed by a sermon and a congregational prayer at the mosque.
Muslims offer Eid prayer 'Do Rakat Namaz' on this day. Then, dressed in new
clothes they proceed to greet their family, relatives and friends 'Eid
Mubarak'. This is done through friendly embraces and handshakes, as good
gestures of unity. The ritual of distributing alms on this day is observed
throughout the ongoing celebrations.
Celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr
Men typically wear white clothes that stand for purity while
women and children are attired in especially tailored, bright-coloured clothes.
Children also receive gifts or money by relatives. The festival is also
associated with extravagant and lavish decorations, dinner parties and
enjoyment. Muslim families host gatherings of and relatives, friends and neighbours
and serve them sumptuous meals. The festive meals comprise a lavish spread of
dishes along with the popular milk-based sweet preparation called 'seviyan'.
The spirit of Eid transcends community and religious barriers, and the sight of
even non-Muslims partaking of Eid celebrations is a common one.
Great importance is attached to Eid-ul-Fitr in India, as it
is an important public holiday. All schools, colleges and public institutions
remain closed to mark the significance of this day. Also, there exists a
considerably large population of the Muslim minority, which adds to the
cultural demographics of India. With time, these traditions have strengthened
their interaction and intermingling with the Indian culture. Eid-ul-Fitr has,
thus, seeped into India's cultural milieu and is looked forward to by everyone.
Lazoi Lifecare wishes everyone a happy and prosperous Eid-ul-Fitr!
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