Id Ul Fitr is a festival that marks the end of the Ramzan period, and
usually falls on a new moon night, in the month of April or May. Ramzan
is the ninth month in the Muslim calendar. According to legend, the Holy
Koran was revealed in this month. Ramzan is thus regarded as highly
auspicious month and fasting and prayers mark it. Muslims keep a fast
every day during Ramzan. The rituals associated with Id and Ramzan have
remained unchanged for centuries. Muslims through out the world and in
India observe fast throughout this month and eat and drink only in the
night. All types of entertainments and ceremonies are shunned during
this period as it is exclusively meant to dedicate oneself to Allah and
show devotion by prayers at all the prescribed times, reciting Quran and
celebrating nights with feasts and family get- together. Eid is the time
for celebration and marks the happiness or festivity for the men and
women who follow the doctrines of Islam. On the day of the festival
Muslims gather in large groups at mosques, and offer their prayers or
namaz. Id is one of the most important sacred festivals in the Muslim
religion. Muslim people from all strata of the society dress up in new
clothes to celebrate Id with great enthusiasm. Everybody greet each
other on this day. Special dishes are prepared on this day to mark the
festive occasion. Women prepare delicious sweetmeats at home, and
vermicelli kheer (sweetened milk) is a popular dish
People also do a lot of charity on this auspicious day as a part of the
festive rituals. Muslims in India give gifts in kind or cash to the
needy and poor. The first Eid of the year is known as 'Eid-al-fitr'
meaning 'breaking the fast'. The reason behind keeping fast during
Ramadan refers to the legend of the Prophet Mohammed who left Mecca and
undertook the journey to Medina in 622 AD, to join the other Muslims who
had migrated to Medina to escape persecution in Mecca. During this
period, he fasted for three days. Many years later, He was to receive a
revelation from God, which stated that all followers of the Islam faith
fasted for a certain number of days. According to Islamic belief fasting
helps to develop self-control and a means of coming closer to Allah. It
purifies one's soul. The festival is a day of joy and thanksgiving. The
Muslims with great fanfare celebrate it. In India even Hindus also
participate in the celebration.
