ISLAMABAD: Muslims across the world celebrate Eid al-Fitr, one of the two major festivals in Islam, with religious fervour blended with rituals based on the traditions of the area they live in.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims all over the world observe fast from dawn until the setting of the sun and offer special prayers at night.
Eid is a time for wearing new clothes, enjoying delicious food, exchanging gifts, and participating in family gatherings, where people of all ages come together to celebrate and give thanks to Allah for His blessings.
Eid celebrations in Pakistan
In Pakistan, Muslims often spend the last two to three days before Eid in a flurry of last-minute shopping. During the final days of Ramadan, mosques display the required amount of Zakat al-Fitr to be given to the needy and set up collection booths outside their doors for donations.
Eid celebrations officially begin when the moon of Shawwal (the Islamic month) is sighted, marking the end of Ramadan. On this occasion, men and elders typically exchange moon greetings.
In the evening, celebrations continue in various ways, such as girls applying henna to their hands. People buy gifts and sweets to give to friends and family who come to join in the festivities marking the end of Ramadan.
After offering Eid prayers, which is an occasion for expressing thanks to Allah, the men return home wishing children, women and elders of the household ‘Eid Mubarak’ and eat the sweet dish known as ‘Seviyan’ or Sheer-Khurma (dates cooked in milk and served with wheat noodles).
Eid is a time to be with loved ones, and many people travel to distant towns to celebrate. It is also an occasion to set aside personal grievances and forgive others.
Following the Eid prayers, some families visit graveyards to pray for the salvation of their deceased relatives.
It is also common to visit neighbours, family, and friends, sharing sweets, snacks, and special meals, including dishes that are specifically prepared for Eid.
Eid in Indonesia
In Indonesia, Eid is celebrated with rich traditional cuisine, and one of the most iconic treats is Lapis Legit, the traditional thousand-layer cake.
Known as Lebaran in Indonesia, the festivities begin the night before Eid with people rushing for last-minute shopping, accompanied by the festive sounds of drums and firecrackers. In some regions, people also light torches and carry them through the streets. Many people who work in other cities return to their rural hometowns for the occasion, a tradition called Mudik, or homecoming.
Two of the traditional foods enjoyed on Eid are Lemang (bamboo-cooked rice) and Lapis Legit (thousand-layer cake). Other dishes commonly prepared include Ketupat (rice wrapped in palm leaves), opor ayam (chicken in coconut milk), and butter cookies filled with pineapple jam.
After the Eid prayers in the morning, people greet each other with “Selamat Idul Fitri,” which means Eid Mubarak or Happy Eid. A significant part of the celebration is the tradition of seeking forgiveness from family, friends, and neighbours, known as Halal Bihalal in Indonesia.
Children receive colourful envelopes containing money from their elders when they visit them. On Eid day, most Indonesian Muslims wear cultural clothing, with distinct styles for men and women. It’s also customary for relatives to visit the graves of their loved ones during the festival.
Eid in Malaysia
Eid in Malaysia is a festive and joyous occasion, much like in other parts of the world, with many people returning to their hometowns to celebrate with family.
Homes are beautifully decorated with oil lamps known as Pelita and traditional dishes are prepared, such as Ketupat (rice dumplings) and Rendang (a flavourful meat dish), which is served to honour guests. Locally known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, meaning the Celebration Day of Eid al-Fitr, it is a day when people dress in traditional attire.
Eid al-Fitr celebrations in Malaysia are famously inclusive, with an “open house” tradition. This means that everyone is welcomed into homes, regardless of their economic status, religion, or caste, fostering a festive and welcoming atmosphere. Families often take turns hosting guests, ensuring that the celebration is shared by all.
The decorations and celebrations during Eid spread across the country, attracting more visitors and tourists. Children are given small monetary gifts called Duit Raya, which is Malaysia’s version of Eidi.
Eid in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia serves as the heart of Eid al-Fitr celebrations, as Muslims from around the world travel to Makkah and Madinah for Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan, often staying until Eid before returning to their families.
Locals, however, typically gather at a family member’s home to celebrate the occasion with a meal after the Eid prayers. Children also receive gifts from elders, usually in the form of money or gift bags filled with toys and sweets.
Many Saudis take this opportunity to donate to charities and offer gifts to the less fortunate, often doing so anonymously, so they too can experience the joy of Eid with their families.
The festive spirit is also evident on the streets, where people greet one another with warmth and respect, regardless of their background.
In some regions of Saudi Arabia, people decorate their homes with welcoming rugs placed outside their doors and share traditional Arabic dishes with neighbours and fellow Muslims.
Eid in Turkey
In Turkey, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated as Seker Bayrami or Ramadan Beyrami, also known as the holiday of sweets. The focus of the festivities is on traditional sweet treats like Baklava and Turkish Delight.
On this day, family members and friends exchange sweet delights after the Eid prayers. In keeping with cultural traditions, Turkish Muslims greet their elders by kissing their right hand and touching it to their forehead as a sign of respect.
Unlike many Muslim-minority countries where Eid is not a public holiday, Turkey observes a three-day holiday for the occasion.
People dress in new clothes, exchange gifts with loved ones, and visit cemeteries to honour deceased family members.
Children receive money, sweets, and chocolates when they greet their elders with respect. They often go door-to-door in their neighbourhoods to collect these gifts.
Additionally, entertainers perform on the streets, hosting puppet shows to entertain the children, as schools are closed for the festival.
Eid in Iran
In Iran, as in other parts of the world, Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated after a month of fasting. One of the most important rituals is the Eid prayer.
Other key customs include sighting the moon, buying and wearing new clothes, giving food and money to the poor, and paying Zakat al-Fitr.
In northern Iran, particularly in the provinces of Guilan and Mazandaran, families gather on the last night of Ramadan for an iftar meal with relatives.
In Hormozgan province, there are unique customs for Eid al-Fitr, and the Baluch and Sunni communities there hold special ceremonies for the occasion.
In East Azarbaijan province, elderly people observe the new moon and offer prayers once they see the moon of Shawwal.
In Yazd province, women bake cookies and bring them to the homes where they had attended Quran recitation ceremonies during Ramadan.
In Kerman, the local people visit relatives who have recently lost loved ones to offer condolences. Prayers for the deceased and family visits are significant traditions during Eid.
In Lorestan, people prepare for Eid by thoroughly cleaning their homes and washing their valleys. The women of Lorestan make Halva, a traditional sweet, and share it with neighbours and family members as part of the celebration.
Eid in UAE
In the UAE, local Emiratis celebrate Eid in the traditional way, beginning with morning prayers followed by the preparation of regional dishes, which are enjoyed at the home of the eldest family member.
However, given the high percentage of immigrants in the UAE, many are unable to return to their home countries for the festival.
Since Eid is a public holiday and a time of celebration, expatriates often gather at friends’ homes, sharing traditional meals from their own cultural backgrounds and spending the day together in the spirit of Eid.
Additionally, many events and shows are organised in public parks across the UAE during the Eid holidays, providing an opportunity for those without family in the country to join the wider community in celebrating this joyful occasion.
Eid in India
India has a large Muslim population. Muslims on Eid wear new clothes, visit family members, exchange Eid cards and give presents of sweets and small toys to children.
On the morning of Eid, Muslims attend special prayers at mosques. Eid is a time for gathering with family and friends, sharing meals, and exchanging gifts.
Children often receive money, known as Eidiyah or Eidi. The common greeting during this festival is “Eid Mubarak,” which means “Blessed Eid.”
Eid in Africa
In many African countries, including Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Somalia, South Africa, and Nigeria, Eid is celebrated in a similar way, beginning with morning prayers at local mosques followed by a grand family gathering, where traditional foods play a central role.
In Morocco, both men and women wear traditional attire, and Moroccan Pancakes are a popular breakfast dish, paired with their famous mint tea. In Somalia, Halvo is the dessert of choice for the day.
In Egypt, the celebration is marked by meals featuring fish, along with other local delicacies like Kahk, a nut-filled cookie often baked at home for Eid.
Children receive gifts and money from their elders, and many people visit cultural sites, enjoy a cruise on the River Nile, or relax at seaside resorts after spending time with family.
During the festivities, storytellers roam the streets, captivating children with folktales.
Muslim-minority countries
Muslim minorities in the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, and across Europe celebrate Eid al-Fitr in a similar manner, starting with prayers at local mosques or Islamic centres before greeting fellow community members.
Although Eid is not a public holiday in these countries, many Muslims choose to take the day off to observe the occasion.
After the prayers, families who live nearby typically gather at one relative’s home, where each person brings a dish from their country of origin to share.
The day is spent together in the spirit of the festival, following traditional customs and practices from their homeland.
For those without family in the city, many Islamic centres and mosques organise fairs or community events, offering an opportunity to celebrate the occasion with others.
