EID MUBARAK
Happy Eid-al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr (/iːd əl ˈfɪtər/ eed əl FIT-ər; Arabic: عيد الفطر ʻĪd al-Fiṭr, also called the "Festival of Breaking the Fast" is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan. The date for the start of any lunar Hijri month varies based on when the new moon is sighted by local religious authorities, so the day of celebration varies by locality.
why EID FEELS SO GOOD
Besides the enthusiasm that it's an auspicious annual holiday celebrated in unity by all Muslims worldwide, EID marks all dedicated endeavors. Imagine you set yourself a weight loss goal, and a week in, you dropped all your water weight. You are so inspired and aspire to do more and do it the healthy way, the right track with no shortcuts. Or a sales goal, after your first few contracts, you are on this high, and you desire to become more skilled at it. Apply it to any plan, relationships, career, meditation; after thirty days of consistency, you are an augmented version of yourself. Isn't that something to celebrate in itself? During Ramadan, all the praying, reading Quran, extensive cooking, eating dinner together, increasing patience, building toleration, providing charity, and so much more. Similar to planting a seed, except you planted a completely new garden. And on EID, you reap the benefits. That cheerful attitude is unanimous in the hearts of all Muslims. It is touching and so profound that many cry happy tears of gratitude during Eid Prayer, prayed in a congregation (except in covid, now it is online.)
Since we are no longer fasting, breakfast is welcomed, and each scrumptious bite is savored with the essence of gratitude. It essentially feels like we won a championship at an international sports game. The excitement is immense, and because it is the soul of all Muslims, it is multiplied tenfold, and the genuine smiles are shining on each other. The day is full of love, laughter, prayer, food, parties, fun, and you guessed it; lots and lots of photos!
EID TRADITIONS
The holiday begins the night earlier known as 'Chaand Raat,' meaning (night of the moon). During this time, all Muslims are preparing one or all the items below:
Marinading and cooking for a planned EID LUNCHEON with Family and Friends.
Cleaning the house, making it immaculate to wake up on EID in a beautifully clean and fresh-smelling home.
Decorating the house with EID decorations for celebratory ambiance.
Women and young females apply Henna on their hands.
Choosing EID outfits for Eid Prayer and the rest of the day.
Completion of the Quran Recitation
A Jubilee Chand Raat with singing, dancing, food, and fun.
Wrapping EID gift for the all the children.
Preparing to have cash on hand to give to children and wives known as ‘EIDI’.
Chaand Raat 'Night of the moon' is a South Asia locution used for the eve of the Muslim festival of Eid ul-Fitr. Chaand Raat is a time of celebration when families and friends gather in open areas at the end of the last day of Ramadan to spot the new moon, which signals the arrival of the Islamic month of Shawwal and the day of Eid. Once the moon is sighted, people wish each other Chaand Raat Mubarak "Have a blessed night of the new moon" or Eid Mubarak "Blessings of the Eid day." Women and girls decorate their hands with mehndi (Henna), and people prepare desserts for the next day of Eid and do the last rounds of shopping. City streets have a festive look, and brightly decorated malls and markets remain open late into the night. Chaand Raat is celebrated festively and passionately by Muslims (and occasionally non-Muslims) all over South Asia, and in socio-cultural significance, is comparable to Christmas Eve.
Decorations & Prayer
Let's elaborate on some of these customs. Muslims begin cooking the day earlier because we wake up around six in the morning to dress the family looking fine for EID Prayer, ordinarily held in congregation around eight or nine in the morning, depending on your local mosque. Each mosque previously completed the thirty Juz of the Quran recitation. Therefore the Eid prayer is even more essential. Ergo there is no time to cook, as, following the prayer, all Muslims are hungry and look forward to an Eid brunch or luncheon. The routine is usually to wake up, get dressed, pray, and feast.
Christmas is the one holiday celebrated extravagantly worldwide. Even in Muslim areas. Muslims know the value of EID is hard to express when we don't reside in a Muslim country. Otherwise, all shops are open late at night in Muslim countries, and that Eid smell is in the air. All the young ladies are out shopping on the eve of Eid, acquiring matching bangles called 'Churiyaan or Karrey,' flat decorated shoes called 'Kusey,' scarves, and embroidered hijabs, and the list goes on.
Alas, outside of these countries, we try and show our youth the importance of Eid. Accordingly, decorating the house, cleaning it up, cooking unique cultural dishes supplements the enthusiasm and anticipation of an esteemed holiday.
Mendhi (Henna)
Henna application is a unique EID celebratory element for all Muslim females. It's a beautiful time to decorate our hands joyfully. The designs are unique and endless. One year you get a medallion shape and other delicate vines. The hands look so feminine and pretty. Each time we see our hands, it serves as a reminder to be grateful for this day and gives off extremely happy vibes. I am a massive fan of Henna. I remember one year when Eid was over; I continued to apply Henna because it felt so good. Imagine a permanent manicure ;p
Henna now comes in tattoos and a variety of colors, glitters, and designs so you can match your Eid getup. Who needs an excuse for Henna? You can get them now from Amazon or Etsy. Why not treat yourself and try something new? I'm sure you will love it.
Eid Outfits
What a wonderful day to get all dolled up; there is no rule and no restrictions. You can dress as fancy as you desire or keep it simple and elegant. There are so many different variations. Shalwar Kameez, Kurti Shalwar, Lhenga, Sari, Sharara, Gharara, Anarkali, Ghaghra, Pajama Kurti, Patyali, are just a few. During my pre-Covid trip to Pakistan, embroidered silk was the latest trend, so I indulged myself and thoroughly enjoyed it. On my first trip to Pakistan, I was surprised to learn you can create your mix and match. So the second time around, I was fully prepared. The silk top is a single item in one shop, ankle crop paints another, and the chiffon scarf I bought separately. When you wear your creation, it adds to the glamour. As opposed to purchasing from bulk shops. This was you know yours is unique. We may not be able to be out and about today on Eid during challenging times, but boy, oh boy, I had much fun in this drip; it will last me a lifetime of smiles.
These are just the outfits. We haven’t begun to discuss the jewelry, shoes and bags. Oh what a day for every female to feel like a ‘Princess’.
eidi
Eidi (pronounced [ˈiːdi], عيدية,is a gift that is usually given to children by elder relatives and family friends as part of the celebration of the two Muslim holidays: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The most common type of eidi is a gift of money to younger relatives. However more recently, the gift exchange is growing on the cultural custom. Personally, I love the added element of surprise and those smiling expressions on my children. Though I don’t mind the cash from the hubster ;p
So there you have it, ladies and gentlemen, a thorough description of EID-AL-FITR and why it endures significant value to Muslims worldwide. I wish you all a glorious Eid, a Happy Eid, and may God accepts your deeds, forgive your sins, and ease the sufferings of all humanity. May this day be blessed and forevermore.
Eid Mubarak,