The most important festival of the Muslims, Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated at the end of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting. The holy book of the Muslims, the Quran, was revealed to Prophet Muhammed during this month, hence its importance among Muslims all over the world who commemorate this event. Fasting continues for an entire month from sunrise to sunset after which Eid is celebrated after sighting the crescent moon signifying the beginning of a new lunar month.
Preparations for this festival commence days in advance as homes are spruced up, shops are decorated, and new clothes, jewelry, etc. are bought. It is specially a time for ladies to go all out and shop to their heart’s content and they are seen thronging the markets the evening before, getting their hands decorated with henna and buying glass bangles to match their clothes. Many shops offer special discounts during the festive season. On the day of Eid, men and boys flock to mosques all over the city to offer special congregational Eid prayers. The Jama Masjid in Old Delhi and the Eidgah witness the largest gatherings.This is an occasion for getting together of family and friends. The special sweet ‘seviyan’, is cooked in various forms and eaten with relish. Feasting continues for 2-3 days. Children are given gift money called ‘eidee’.
