Eid is a festival celebrated by thousands of Muslims all over the world every year. Celebrating the festival means celebrating happiness regularly. The traditions and culture in this festival may vary slightly according to the geographic location of Muslims; however the basic requisite of this festival is to remember the poor and be grateful to god for whatever they have. Eid-Ul-Fitr (Eid) is a great cultural experience that is celebrated at the end of the holy month of Ramadan on the first day of Shawwal that is considered to be the tenth month of the Islamic calendar.
In the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast for the whole day and then eat and drink after the sunset and before the sunrise. This tradition is followed to commemorate the hungry and unfortunate people around the world. In the holy month of Ramadan some people who are old, sick or pregnant do not fast including children who are under 12 years (Anderson 9).
The night before Eid is known as the Night of Full Moon and Eid is usually celebrated for three days after the month of Ramadan. Muslims buy new clothes and go shopping for new items in this period. Eid provides an opportunity to all the Muslims to gather for family unions, meet relatives and friends. Under the visible sky a special prayer is performed prior to the eid prayer in Mosque. Many Muslims donate Zakat al Fitr a contribution to the Mosque, and the Mosque authorities share the contribution with the unfortunate and deprived people in community. Food and Money is donated during this time and the prayers begin after these are distributed among the poor. The prayers are followed by Dua that means asking for forgiveness for all the sins committed.
Muslims break their fast by consuming dates and fruits, and traditionally the location for Eid celebration is decorated with gold and silver crescent of moon and stars mostly in green color. This festival is not only applicable for the Muslims as Non-Muslims are also invited by the Muslims to participate in the festival. Gifts are exchanged and children get an opportunity to display their talent by creating greeting cards. Eid is a good time to get rid of worries and help others and be happy.
Works Cited
Anderson, Sheila. Ramadan: Cultural Holiday Series, Illustrated. ABDO (2010). Print.
