Eid Ul Fitr
20 Sep, 2009
This festival is held all over india. |
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Eid Ul Fitr is the biggest Muslim festival. Eid is derived from the Arabic word ‘oud’ or ‘the return’ to signify, well, the return of Eid each year. The festival is significant as much for its timing as for its religious implications. It is celebrated after the fasting month of Ramzan (the ninth month of the Muslim year), on the first day of the Shavval month of the Hijri year (Muslim year). It is believed that the Koran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed in the month of Ramzan. Eid is celebrated with a ritual Namaz - prayer - offering in a mosque, festive eating, exchange of gifts, donning of new clothes and dabbing of attar - rose essence.
To get to the significance of Eid, one must first understand the meaning of Ramzan. ‘Ramz’ means to burn, and fasting is considered to burn down ones sins. Fasting or Roza starts at sunrise and lasts until sunset. During this time no food or water is consumed. Pregnant women, the handicapped and the ailing, people on a long journey, and ladies in confinement are exempted from Roza, but they must resume fasting on recovery.
As Eid is round the corner, markets get livelier. People crowd the bazaars to buy new clothes for member of their family. Many people get new curtains and tapestry for their homes while others get their houses freshly painted and whitewashed. Dry fruits, spices and a variety of things are bought to prepare mouth-watering dishes. Woman folk get attractive silk dresses stitched and girls fret over the local jewellery and bangle stalls. Tailors, shopkeepers and vendors, all do brisk business. Eid is also an occasion for family reunions. Special foods and delicacies are prepared for the day and are distributed to neighbours and friends.
Eid ul Fitr may be described as the festival of a people who have chosen piety and submission to the Will of Allah as their way of life.
It is the festival of a people who believe in the Oneness of God and the brotherhood of man; who empathies with and genuinely care about the poor and underprivileged among them; and who seek the Pleasure, Mercy and Forgiveness of Allah and His Company in the Hereafter.
For Muslims, Eid ul Fitr is a joyful celebration of the achievement of enhanced piety. It is a day of forgiveness, moral victory and peace, of congregation, fellowship, brotherhood and unity.
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