Ramzan Eid is the favourite time of the year for Muslims. Find more about the significance and celebration of this festival in India.‘Ramzan’ or ‘Ramadan’ is a holy month for Muslims. They offer prayers and fast during the entire month.
Ramzan Eid also known as ‘Eid Al Fitr’ marks the end of the fasting period. It is a religious holiday for Muslims and it is celebrated across various parts of the country.
What is Ramzan?
Ramzan is the ninth month of the
Islamic calendar. It is the most sacred month for Muslims. During this period, Muslims in India and all over the world totally abstain from food and water from dawn to dusk. It is a spiritual period consisting of additional prayers and acts of charity. It is a time to repent for any sins done and get closer to the Almighty.
People develop devotion to the Almighty and seek forgiveness. It is like purification and cleansing for the soul. The sighting of the new moon brings cheer as it marks the start of the holy month.
What is Ramzan Eid?
‘Eid Al Fitr’ falls on the day when the first crescent moon is sighted shortly after sunset marking the end of the holy month of
Ramzan and beginning of the new month, Shawwal. It is a very special and auspicious festive day for Muslims. It is a very joyful occasion and signifies the end of the month long period of fasting. ‘Eid Al Fitr’ or ‘Ramzan Eid’ has been declared as a gazetted holiday all over India.
Significance of Ramzan Eid
It is said that Ramzan is the month when the
Quran was first revealed to the
Prophet Muhammad. Ramzan Eid is a day of great religious significance for Muslims. It is an occasion to celebrate and one of the most important days in the Muslim calendar. The holy month long period of fasting ends and Muslims feast and wear new clothes on this day.
Ramzan Eid Festivities
There is a special prayer in mosques on the day of Ramzan Eid. People hug one another and wish them. Delicacies such as sheer kurma, malpua and phirni are prepared as people meet their friends and relatives. Sweets made of dates and dry fruits are eaten and shared. It is a day of thanksgiving and celebration. They have fasted during the entire month and gained the blessings of the Almighty, hence it is a reason to celebrate and be thankful. Eateries remain open all night in some parts of the country.
Breaking the Fast
Eid Al Fitr which is a popular holiday in the Islamic calendar is a festival of breaking the fast. The end of the fast marks the beginning of feasting. Sometimes the feasting lasts for three days. Politicians or Ministers often hold Iftar parties and invite others. People enjoy themselves on this day. Grand feasts comprising of delicacies are held as people want to rejoice. Charity is an important aspect of Islam and many Muslims also take this occasion to feed the less fortunate.
Modern Eid Celebrations
Many people celebrate in the traditional way however some do follow modern customs. People send Eid greetings on social media. They wish each other ‘Eid Mubarak’ on various chatting platforms. Many people visit malls. In some places, restaurants are fully booked. Some fashion designers create a special Eid collection of dresses. Nowadays, stylish and modern Eid decorations are available for homes.
Indian Bollywood celebrities also hold Iftar parties during Ramzan and Eid. Eid is a time for meeting, greeting and celebrating. Devotees gather at various mosques across the nation to offer prayers. Even a sip of water or morsel of food can invalidate the fast during Ramzan. Hence, after a period of observing severe austerities, Muslims all over delight in celebrating the festival of Eid.
How is Ramzan Eid celebrated by Muslims in India? Why do Muslims fast during the month of Ramzan? What is Iftar and how do Muslims break their fast during Ramzan? Discuss here. 
