Eid-ul-Fitr:

Celebrations to mark end of Ramazan

Eid, popularly known as Eid-ul-Fitr, is a festival observed by the Muslim community to celebrate the conclusion of the month of fasting.

Eid-ul-Fitr literally means 'festival of breaking the fast'. Like other festivals observed by the Muslim community, this festival symbolises faith.

The festival is celebrated based on an Islamic belief by following the form of social practice.

Eid is celebrated on the first date of Shawwal, that is, the tenth month of the Hijra calendar. During the festival, Muslims exchange gifts, greeting their neighbours as a mark of solidarity and brotherhood.

According to the Islamic tradition, there are two festivals observed by Muslims every year, Eid-ul-Fitr just after Ramazan and Eid-ul-Azha in the month of Haj.

Ramazan, the month of fasting, symbolises a lot practices and beliefs of the community. It is not merely restraining oneself from having food but also to abstain from all kinds of evil and unlawful practices in Islam.

Muslims, just before the celebrations of Eid-ul-Fitr, keep a month long fast throughout the month of Ramazan. The practice of fasting is also known as 'roza' that starts from the break of dawn till dusk and during this whole day an individual has to refrain himself from drinking, eating or having sexual intercourse. The term 'roza' is an Arabic word that means abstinence. This year Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on August 29, depending on the sighting of the moon, to mark the end of Ramazan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.

On this joyous occasion Muslims throughout the world celebrate the Eid- ul-Fitr, Ramazan festival after a month -long fast. This festival generates immense satisfaction among children and adults purely due to the completion of the fast as commanded by Allah.

Fasting along with Zakath (tax incumbent on rich Muslims) occupies a prominent place in the month of Ramazan to uplift the suffering of the underprivileged segments of society, educates us to look into the needs of society at all times. On this day Muslims are not permitted to fast.

Many Muslims believe that fasting is a time when every Muslim realises a sense of responsibility within themselves.

The month- long fast ends with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr which symbolises a reward for their fasting.

Muslims on this day wear their best clothes and offer 'namaz'- a congregational prayer at masjids or mosques. After offering their prayers they exchange good wishes of the festival with neighbours and other people. They also donate alms to the poor on the auspicious occasion.

The celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr not only has religious essence but also carries a social connotation.

Like other festivals, Eid-ul-Fitr is also observed with great enthusiasm. Delicious food and drinks are an indispensable part of the festivity.

People decorate their houses and prepare luscious traditional sweets and cuisine to celebrate the festival. The most common food is wattalappan which is a must in every home. This is a pudding made out of jaggery , eggs and coconut milk.

Moreover, ahead of the festival, the markets are filled with fascinating items in the shopping list for Eid. Fancy and food items mostly dominate the festival and as the festival approaches excitement to celebrate gains momentum not only with the Muslims but also with shopkeepers and traders doing a brisk business.

The celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr no-doubt perks up the spirit inherent in all the festivity. The significance of this festival is also interpreted as a good time to bring people together in harmony and gratitude.- Internet - Compiled by Ruzaik Farook