Written by: Saman Khalid
Posted on: April 09, 2024 | 
| 中文
Eid prayers are being offered in Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar
Eid-ul-Fitr is without a doubt the most anticipated event of the entire year for Muslims across the world. Its significance is increased by the fact that it comes after 30 days of fasting in the sacred month of Ramzan. It is also the first Islamic festival of the year that is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm by people of all ages. Everyone has their own favorite part of the event to which they look forward. Families reunite for the celebration, and everyone is dressed to the hilt for the event, while scrumptious delights are made for the occasion.
Family gatherings and dinners are customary on Eid
Eid-ul-Fitr is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims on 1st Shawwal, marking the end of Ramzan. The sighting of the Shawwal moon signifies the exact date of Eid-ul-Fitr. The day represents prosperity and fulfillment, and consequently, it is haram (forbidden) to fast on Eid. In Islamic terms, only the first day after Ramzan is called "Eid". However, the festivities normally last for three days in most Muslim households. Moreover, it is in accordance with the Sunnah to begin the auspicious day with tasting something sweet. Narrated by Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him), he said: "Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)never proceeded for prayer on the Day of `Eid-ul-Fitr, unless he had eaten some dates. Men proceed to the mosques to offer the Eid prayer, while women perfect the preparations. Before the commencement of the prayer, a charity known as "Sadqa-e-Fitr" is given out to the needy and the impoverished. Furthermore, all Muslims are advised to wear their best apparel on the day of Eid. Eid is a fun day filled with blessings and laughter for family and friends.
Moon sighting is an important part of Eid-ul-Fitr
For Muslims, Eid isn't merely a religious event, but an occasion of social importance, as it promises joy, big gatherings, rekindling of relationships and a chance to shop for the best items in the market. From mouth-watering feasts to endearing reunions, this article will cover everything.
Most families start off the day's proceedings with a serving of Sheer Khourma, a dessert made with vermicelli, milk and nuts, while other sweet dishes like kheer (rice cooked in milk) are also popular. It is considered the most important meal of the day, as it is in accordance with the Sunnah. After that swoops in the Eid lunch. While this feast reflects every family's own preference, some specific culinary creations are witnessed on every Pakistani table: Biryani, Pulao, Nihari, Karahi, Kebabs, Tandoori Chicken and barbecued items. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it a mini-buffet arranged by the expert hands of the women of the house. Drinks are mostly kept simple: cold drinks and lassi are served with the main course, while tea is specifically presented with a light supper after lunch. Several ethnic dishes are served in their regions, like Rosh (Giant Roast), popular in the Frontier region, Sajji and Landi in Baluchistan.
Sweet vermicelli
It is an unspoken rule to meet up with relatives on the sacred occasion of Eid. As a general tradition, the entire family often congregates at the ancestral home to pay their respect to the elders. Relatives are free to drop by whenever they want during the course of Eid, and it is a perfect opportunity for siblings and cousins to reconnect and engage in their favorite activities. Perhaps, the most exhilarating part of the celebrations is the distribution of Eidi, a monetary gift from the elders to the young family members. Kids line up to receive this gift, and end up negotiating a higher amount by putting up a collective fight. Eid is also the best time to play family games involving everyone, which often leads to mayhem in the end. However, this beautiful chaos comes to an end after Maghrib (prayers at sundown) prayers.
A family takes a selfie in front of the Badshahi Mosque on Eid-ul-Fitr
Friends also plan group hangouts for Eid in order to catch up. Some prefer to invite their friends over, while other groups dine out. That being said, every individual has their own set of experiences in relation to Eid.
The dresses worn on Eid are commonly traditional, with boys wearing kurta shalwar, and girls opting for embroidered shalwar kameez along with light jewelry, gajras (jasmine garlands) and khussas (traditional footwear). The preparations for Eid normally begin towards the tail end of Ramzan and end on Chaand Raat (the night before Eid). Apart from colorful outfits, henna applied on their hands in intricate designs, and bangles play an irreplaceable part in the Eid celebrations for girls. Naturally, cosmetic businesses soar during Eid season.
Applying henna on Eid is very popular amongst women
Eid special shows and telefilms are aired on almost every single television channel. Morning shows and celebrity interviews also obtain a chance to become the talk of the town. At the same time, social media serves as a live broadcast of Eid festivities. Influencers, and even ordinary people post their Eid pictures on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Detailed Eid vlogs are uploaded on YouTube, and makeup tutorials are rapidly shared on TikTok. While some netizens criticize this apparently flamboyant practice, it can be a wholesome way for people to bond over Eid celebrations. Particularly, those Muslims who live overseas and are forced to celebrate Eid on their own, can live vicariously through other people's posts.
All in all, Eid is an emotionally charged day preceded by anticipation and celebrated enthusiastically by every Muslim. In our fast-paced lives, it is a gentle reminder of love and brotherhood, and it is incumbent upon us to help the less fortunate on this day, so that they may also enjoy Eid. We should also take this opportunity to repair severed ties and thank Allah for all his blessings.
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