9th August, 2013 celebrated as Eid-ul-Fitr also known as Eid-al-Fitr (Feast of breaking fast) is the most religious festival celebrated by the Muslims worldwide. It marks the end of the Ramadan (month of fasting) and Muslims on this holy occasion give Zakat which means charity. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebration of the purification achieved in the Ramadan month and is termed as a day of forgiveness and praising the Almighty Allah with love and unity. It is marked as the first day of the Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar.
A public holiday is declared on this auspicious festival. It is known by a companion of the Prophet Muhammad that Prophet implemented the two major festivals after his journey from Mecca to Medina. During his journey the Prophet noticed people celebrating two specific days most enthusiastically. Assuming this as the message of Almighty, he marked the two major days for the holy festivals i.e. Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-al- Adha.
The Ramadan month is considered to purify one’s soul and the Muslims consider fasting for an entire month as a command from the Almighty and tend to break their fast on the special occasion of Eid. It is the day of happiness and forgiveness on which the Muslims gather with friends and families, exchange gifts, prepare sweets and decorate their houses.
The usual routine goes as both men and women dress up wearing new clothes, wear makeup and perfume on. They greet and embrace each other by wishing ‘Eid Mubarak’ which is “Have a blessed Eid.”
The day starts with getting up early, having breakfast and gathering at a huge open ground to perform prayers to the Almighty Allah which is termed as Salaat al-Eid, rising of hands to ears with a common preach, “All?hu Akbar”, “God is Greatest”. They thank the Almighty for a blessed life.
People visit and greet their friends and families and the highlight of the celebration is the delicious Eid special dish “Sheer Khurma.” Each and everyone present at the occasion cannot leave the celebration without tasting this succulent dessert.
We at Page 3 Nashik wish each and every one Eid Mubarak!
