Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. It is an occasion of joy and happiness and brings great blessings to everyone. Eid-ul-Fitr literally means the holiday of breaking the fast. It is because Muslims break their month-long fasting of Ramadan on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. This day is also known as the Little Eid or Meethi Eid in India. Let’s discuss more this festival.
Eid-ul-Fitr
Eid is celebrated with great joy every year. Eid-ul-Fitr 2023 will be celebrated on April 22, Saturday and the moonrise is expected to be at 7:30 PM. The date and moonrise time are only estimated and can be slightly changed later. This auspicious day is observed by Muslims all over the world on the first day of Shawwal, which is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar (Hijri). This day usually falls in April or May and this year it fell on April 22.
The most interesting part about this day is that it is not observed until the night of the new moon. The celebration begins with the rise of the new moon and thus it is celebrated at different times over the world. there are some Muslims who celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr when the moon appears over Mecca, to be more uniform with history. Thus, tentatively, the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr will begin on the evening of April 21 and last on April 22.
The Islamic festivals are celebrated according to the position of the moon because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle instead of the solar cycle like the Gregorian calendar. No matter what calendar you are using, Eid-ul-Fitr is marked as a public holiday in various countries. All the government offices and schools and many private ones observe a holiday on this day to provide all the Muslim employees and students celebrate their festival with great joy and enthusiasm. The stores in Muslim-dominated regions are generally closed early or open for only limited hours to celebrate this day.
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Eid-ul-Fitr Celebration and Rituals
The exact date of Eid-ul-Fitr varies every year because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle. The timing of Eid-ul-Fitr depends on the sighting of the new moon, so it is typically announced by the relevant Islamic authorities a day or two before the actual date. However, in general, Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated after the completion of the month-long fasting period of Ramadan, which lasts for 29 or 30 days. This is celebrated for 1-3 days depending on the rituals of different nations. On Eid-ul-Fitr, it is forbidden to fast and there is a specific prayer for this day. Devotees perform charities to the poor and needy before performing this special prayer.
Eid prayer is performed in open spaces such as fields or mosques. This prayer consists of two units of prayer with a variable amount of Takbirs (the Arabic phrase Allāhu Akbar) and other elements of prayers. This prayer is followed by “Khutbah” (sermon) and “Dua” asking Allah for forgiveness, mercy, blessings, and peace for all beings in the world. after the prayer and other rituals of Eid, people visit their friends and relatives personally or hold communal celebrations.
Sunni VS Shia Celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr
The Muslim community is broadly divided into two sub-communities: Sunni Muslims and Shia Muslims. These two communities celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with great enthusiasm. But there are some differences in their celebration. Let’s discuss the Sunni VS Shia Celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Timing – One of the primary differences is the timing of Eid-ul-Fitr. Shia Muslims typically celebrate Eid a day or two after Sunni Muslims, as they follow a different method for calculating the sighting of the moon.
Prayer Rites – The prayer rites of Eid-ul-Fitr also differ between Shia and Sunni Muslims. While both sects perform Eid prayers, Shia Muslims perform an additional prayer called Eid al-Ghadir, which commemorates the appointment of Ali ibn Abi Talib as the successor of Prophet Muhammad.
Traditions – The traditions and customs of Eid-ul-Fitr also differ between these two sects of the Muslim community. Shia Muslims often participate in mourning ceremonies during the month of Ramadan, which is not observed by Sunni Muslims. Moreover, Shia Muslims may also engage in public displays of self-flagellation during mourning ceremonies, which are not practised by Sunni Muslims.
Food – The types of food served during Eid-ul-Fitr may also differ between Shia and Sunni Muslims. While both sects prepare traditional dishes, Shia Muslims may have specific types of food that are unique to their culture or region.
Despite these differences, the core values of Eid-ul-Fitr remain the same for both Shia and Sunni Muslims. It is a time for joy, celebration, and gratitude for the blessings of Allah.
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Significance of Eid-ul-Fitr
Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the most important Islamic festivals that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is a day of joy, celebration, and thanksgiving for Muslims all over the world. The festival has great religious, cultural, and social significance.
Religious Significance – Eid-ul-Fitr is a time of spiritual rejuvenation and reflection. It signifies the completion of the month-long fasting of Ramadan, during which Muslims abstain from food, water, and other worldly pleasures from dawn to dusk. The festival marks the end of this period of self-discipline and reminds Muslims of the importance of self-control, patience, and compassion.
Cultural Significance – Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy in Muslim communities worldwide. This involves family get-togethers, feasting, and exchanging gifts. People celebrate this festival by dressing up in new clothes and decorating their homes. It is also a time to forgive, forget past grievances, and extend goodwill to others.
Social Significance – Eid-ul-Fitr is a time when Muslims come together to celebrate their faith, culture, and community. It promotes unity, harmony, and social cohesion among Muslims of different backgrounds and nationalities. The festival is also an opportunity for Muslims to reach out to the less fortunate and share blessings with others.
Eid-ul-Fitr is an important festival that holds great religious, cultural, and social significance for Muslims. It is a time for joy, celebration, and reflection on the values of self-control, compassion, and unity.
Top Indian Destinations to Visit during Eid-ul-Fitr 2023
Eid-ul-Fitr is a very auspicious occasion to celebrate. People visit various religious places to make them more special. There are so many places in India that you can visit during this festival. Here we have listed the top 5 destinations in India to visit on Eid-ul-Fitr with your friends and family. Let’s have a look at them.
Jama Masjid (Delhi)
Jama Masjid is a famous mosque located in the heart of Old Delhi. Constructed in the 17th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, it is one of the largest mosques in India, capable of accommodating up to 25,000 worshippers at once. The mosque is renowned for its stunning architecture, which combines Mughal and Persian styles, and its three domes and two minarets. You can also climb to the top of the minarets for panoramic views of Delhi.
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Taj Mahal Mosque (Agra)
The Taj Mahal Mosque is a stunningly beautiful mosque located in the city of Agra. It was built in the 17th century as part of the larger Taj Mahal complex, which is one of the most iconic and recognizable structures in the world. The mosque features intricate marble carvings, a large dome, and stunning arches. It serves as a place of worship for Muslims and is an important cultural and historical site in India.
Mecca Masjid (Hyderabad)
Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad is one of the oldest and largest mosques in India, with a capacity to hold over 10,000 worshippers. It was built during the 17th century and features impressive architecture and intricate details. It includes the mosque and the tombs of Nizam rulers and other important personalities.
Haji Ali (Mumbai)
Haji Ali is a mosque and dargah located on an islet off the coast of Mumbai. It is dedicated to the memory of Saint Haji Ali and attracts thousands of devotees every year. The mosque's distinctive white structure features an onion-shaped dome and intricate marble work. During high tide, the islet becomes completely submerged, making the mosque appear as if it is floating on the water.
Hazratbal (Srinagar)
Hazratbal in Srinagar is a revered mosque and shrine that houses the sacred hair of the Prophet Muhammad. The mosque's white marble structure, surrounded by serene gardens, is an important place of worship for Muslims in the region. The mosque's architecture is a blend of Mughal and contemporary styles.
Masjid-e-Khadira (Bangalore)
Masjid-e-Khadira in Bangalore is a modern mosque that boasts a unique and contemporary design. The mosque's architecture features a striking glass facade that reflects light in a myriad of colours. The prayer hall can accommodate up to 1,500 worshippers and is adorned with intricate wood carvings and calligraphy.
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Summing Up
Eid-ul-Fitr is a major Islamic festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is a time for joy, celebration, and gratitude for the blessings of Allah. It has religious, cultural, and social significance, promoting unity, harmony, and social cohesion among Muslims of different backgrounds and nationalities. The festival involves family get-togethers, feasting, and exchanging gifts, and it is also a time to forgive past grievances and extend goodwill to others. Sunni and Shia Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with some differences in their rituals, customs, and traditions. There are also many beautiful places to visit during this great occasion.
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