Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the auspicious and largest festivals in Islam. On this day, people congregate in mosques and seek blessings for well-being and progress.

The festival marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which refers to the "Festival of Breaking Fast", and this Eid is also said as “lesser Eid” or “smaller Eid”.

It is also said that a person who follows Ramadan (Ramazan) will build the core values of the Islamic community into him, including empathy, charity, worship, steadfastness and patience.

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When Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated?

Eid-ul-Fitr is also spelt as Id al-Fitr and also known as al-Id al-Saghir. In Arabic, Eid-al-Fitr means “Festival of Breaking Fast”. This festival marks the end of the Islamic holy month, Ramadan, when Muslims all over the world observe fast from sunrise to sunset.

It is observed on the first 3 days of Shawwal, the 10th month as per the Islamic calendar. This year, Eid-al-Fitr will be celebrated on 11th April 2024, Thursday.

Eid-ul-Fitr will start on the evening of the 10th and will be celebrated till the next day's sunset, i.e. 11th of April 2024. On this day, people greet each other, gifts are given, and the graves of relatives are also visited.  

Why Eid-Ul-Fitr is celebrated?

It is said that the discovery of the Holy Quran was first revealed to a religious leader, Prophet Muhammad, during the month of Ramadan. Hence, this month is considered sacred, where Muslims keep a strict fast and dedicate themselves to Allah through prayer.

To celebrate the end of this month and the successful completion of Ramadan, Muslims prepare a lip-smacking meal along with get-together events.

How do Muslims celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr?

On Eid-ul-Fitr, devotees start the day by offering Tahajjud and Fajr prayers and reciting the Holy Quran. After a month of strict fasting, Muslims organise a royal meal on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Dishes like Biryani, Kebab, Kofte, Phirni, and Sheer Khurma are made in every Muslim household. Among all the dishes, sweet dishes are served more than others, which is why the feast is also known as a sugar fest.

A few days before the fest, Muslims also donate food and money to the poor or needy people so that no one is deprived of this celebration, and this tradition is also known as Akat al-Fitr.

They also decorate their houses and wear new fresh clothes as a part of the tradition of this festival. It is said that this day is precious for receptions and visiting each other houses.

Lastly, gifts are exchanged among the families and friends and greeting each other by saying “Eid Mubarak,” which means happy Eid or blessed Eid.

It is recommended that everyone should gather in the mosque, even menstruating women, but they are not allowed to participate in prayers. It is believed that offering special prayers under the open sky before the sun dawn on Eid-ul-Fitr and worshipping Allah will bring peace and blessings to all.

Where Eid-Ul-Fitr is celebrated?

• Hazratbal Masjid- This mosque is situated on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, an ideal place to worship Allah. A large number of people gather here and offer prayers. The Holy Relic of Prophet Muhammad is also kept in the Hazratbal Mosque. During this time, the whole city of Srinagar takes a beautiful festive look, where the streets are crowded with people doing Eid-ul-Fitr shopping.

• Haji Ali Dargah- The Haji Ali Dargah or Mosque is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The way Haji Ali has been designed is one of the best epitomes of Islamic architecture. On this precious day, non-Muslim people also visit to offer prayers and also for spiritual faith.

• Mecca Masjid- Mecca Masjid is located in Hyderabad, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh. This mosque is one of the largest custom mosques in Old Hyderabad. On the day of Eid-Ul-Fitr, this Masjid becomes the prime centre where more than 10,000 people across India gather for prayer, exchanging gifts and greetings.

• Masjid-E-Khadria- This holy place is one of the biggest and most amazing mosques in the Quddus Saheb Eidgah, Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka. 

• Taj Mahl Mosque- This mosque is located in the Indian city of Agra. Every year a large number of Muslims gather in front of the red sandstone Mosque and offer prayers. On the occasion of Eid-Ul-Fitr, entry to the Taj Mahal is free for the complete day.

Conclusion

Eid-Ul-Fitr is the festival of Islam, which lasts for 2-3 days and is celebrated all over the world. The best places to witness this festival a one can visit Masjid-E-Khadria, Bangalore, Haji Ali, Mumbai, Taj Mahal Mosque, Agra, Hazratbal, Srinagar and Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad.

On this day, Muslims congregate at mosques to worship the almighty. After the prayer, everyone seems to greet and gift each other. Various events are held during this festival one of the important is the food fest. 

That was all about Eid-Ul-Fitr 2023. Wishing all of you an Eid Mubarak. If you are wondering what Eid-Ul-Fitr is, then you are at the right place this article will definitely help you to know about this auspicious festival.

If you have any questions or thoughts, please share your feedback in the comment section below. Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and we look forward to hearing from you.