ANI |
Updated: May 13, 2021 15:19 IST
New Delhi [India], May 13 (ANI): Eid-ul-Fitr, which means “festival of breaking speed” is a time of fun with family and friends. It is a happy celebration marking the end of the holy month of Ramzan as millions of Muslims eagerly await the confirmed new moon sighting, to celebrate the end of their fasting journey. .
Muslims around the world mark this day by participating in a variety of activities. Depending on where you are, the festival may have a more local name.
In Turkish countries, it is commonly known as Bayram, while some North African cultures refer to it as Eid Seghir or small Eid. Under normal circumstances, a day begins with prayers, and a large meal is often the main event, but there are many ways and traditions for people to celebrate the special occasion.
The process of ghusl, morning prayer, zakat al-Fitr, and visiting are common practices among Muslims everywhere. In addition to these practices, unique tradition and customs present among individual Muslim communities worldwide.
From Turkey to Iceland, check out some of the Eid traditions around the world that vary by region but share the same global sense of fun:
Turkey
In Turkey, Eid-ul-Fitr is known as Ramazan Bayrami (the festival of Ramadan) or Seker Bayrami (the festival of sweets). People wear their new clothes called bayramlik and wish each other Bayraminiz Mubarek Olsun which translates as ‘May your Bayram (Eid) be blessed’. It’s a holiday, where government offices and schools are usually closed for the duration of the three-day festival.
The most important thing is to honor the elders by kissing their right hand and placing it on their forehead while conveying the Bayram greeting. It is important for young children to go from house to house around their neighborhood, wishing everyone a “Happy Bayram”, as they will be rewarded with sweets, traditional sweets like baklava and Turkish Delight, chocolates or a small amounts at every door, similar to the Halloween custom in the United States.
southern Ocean
Eid-ul-Fitr is locally known as Lebaran in Indonesia and it is the most important Indonesian holiday. Similar to other Muslim countries, Indonesians also celebrate with prayers, gatherings and family reunions.
One of the most important traditions is Mudik (homecoming) where people who leave their homeland to work in big cities will return to their place to spend Eid with their families. A ritual known as Halal Bihalal is also performed during or after Eid, which involves seeking forgiveness from everyone including friends, colleagues, neighbors and relatives.
Children are given colorful envelopes by elders when they visit. Most Indonesian Muslims wear cultural attire on Eid day, which varies in style for both men and women. Relatives also visit the graves of their loved ones during the Eid festival.
Malaysia
Eid in Malaysia is a fun occasion like any other, and most people travel back home to be with family. People decorate their homes with oil lamps called Pelita and cook traditional Eid dishes, including Ketupat or rice dumplings, and Rendang, a popular meat dish to entertain guests in Southeast Asian countries. .
Locally known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which means celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, this is the day when the traditional dress is worn by everyone.
Eid ul Fitr celebration Always like an open house in Malaysia, everyone is welcome in every home and the open festive atmosphere welcomes everyone to enjoy their meals and have a good time, irrespective of they are based on economic status, religion or caste. Families often take turns opening the door to welcome guests during the day.
Africa
African countries like Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Somalia, South Africa, Nigeria, and a few others, celebrate Eid in a similar way with morning prayers at local mosques. before the extended family gathering, where local cuisine plays a dominant role.
In Morocco, men and women both wear traditional clothes and Moroccan pancakes are breakfast, along with their famous mint tea, while in Somalia, Halvo is the dessert of the day.
In Mombasa, Muslims mark the last ten days of Ramzan (known as Kumi la mwisho) with street festivals and exchanges. The festival opens in the evening when the daily quick time ends, giving everyone a chance to buy gifts for friends and family. Storytellers also roam the streets in some places during Eid, entertaining children with folk tales.
Iceland
Before the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, Muslims in Iceland also participate in the sunset-to-dawn time during the month of Ramzan. At the height of summer, the sun remains in the sky for a longer time than usual, setting at midnight and returning two hours later. This means that Muslims living in Iceland are required to fast for up to 22 hours a day.
While this may sound like a very difficult feat, Islamic scholars and experts have offered an alternative for those who live in the land of the midnight sun. Muslims in Iceland can choose to break fast based on sunrise and sunset times from the nearest country, or observe the time zone of Saudi Arabia.
The auspicious day is celebrated in one of the few mosques in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. Visitors to the mosque are equipped with an international buffet of delicious dishes, including dishes from Indonesian, Egyptian and Eritrean cuisines to celebrate this joyful and holy occasion. The children enjoyed wearing their best clothes and exchanging gifts with friends, colleagues and family members.
The whole idea of the festival is that whoever you meet, you try and create a feeling of goodwill with them. Any feelings of hatred were put aside, at least for a day. While there are many things that people will do on Eid, with around 2 billion Muslims globally, it’s no surprise that people can have a number of different ways to celebrate this sacred festival. .
Most Muslims celebrate Eid in the same traditional sense but of course, cultural traditions and practices for the occasion vary from East to West and from country to country.
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, let’s hope we can leave these challenging times together for a time of happiness, compassion and peace. Eid Mubarak! (ANI)
