Different nationalities celebrate Eid in their own way

The festival is celebrated after a month of the fasting signifying resolve to renounce worldly pleasures and show solidarity with the needy.

The significance of Eid lies in Zakat Al Fitr (alms-giving) that is different from the normal zakat as it is incumbent on everybody and is not only confined to the rich people.

Family bonds and friendship are the main focus of festivities during Eid in all Arab and Muslim countries around the globe which feature different traditional, social and entertainment activities.

Early morning prayers offered on the first day of Eid is common ritual for Muslims across the world. In Palestine and Israel, security checkpoints seen everywhere hinder family gatherings during this special occasion. Visiting the cemetery which is a tradition during Eid has declined due to the tight security measures. Many Palestinian families get ready to welcome the holy event with ‘Mamool’ a special type of biscuit made with date, coconut or nuts.

In the UAE, prepartions for Eid start as early as the first week of Ramadan. Buying new clothes, refurbishing the furniture and cooking typical Arab delicacies — ‘Harees’ and ‘Arsiya’ made of chicken and meat, Al ‘Fwalah’, a cocktail of fresh fruit presented in raw form, ‘Omani sweats’, and of course the Arabic coffee — are the main features of Eid Al Fitr for the Emiratis. Families gather at the house of the head of the family on the first day to exchange greetings and enjoy meals together. The other two days of Eid are usually devoted to neigbours and friends and other recreational activities. Elder people give children (Eidiya) or Eid money to cheer up little ones and make Eid a special occasion for them.

In India new garments, special dishes called ‘SheerKhorma’ made of milk and dates, and vermicelli are the main characteristics of Eid. People gather at ‘Eidgah’ which are big mosques or open areas where Muslims offer prayers. In the evening, people invite neighbours and friends, especially the non-Muslims to have dinner. Picnics and other recreation activities are scheduled for the other two days of Eid. As a tradition children are given ‘Eidi’ or Eid money.

In Pakistan celebrations are nearly the same as in India. However, prepartions for Eid in this Muslim country begin with the ‘Chandraat’ or the moon sighting when festivities will start. People will stay overnight to get new clothes, cook special dishes for Eid and women do ‘hinna’ (tatoo drawings).

On the first day people visit the cemetery to offer prayers for their near and dear ones after prayers at the ‘Eidgah’. They then visit family members, negibhours and friends and exchange sweets or meals with them. ‘Eidiya’ is also given to youngesters as part of the tradition.

Sri Lankans offer Eid prayers a little late at around nine o’clock. Family get-together is the main feature of Eid in Sri Lanka as people meet at the house of the elder member of the family to enjoy ‘Biryani’ meal cooked of meat and rice in the traditional Sri Lankan style. ‘Terunal Salli’ or Eid money is offered to children in celebration of the festivity and neigbours swap gifts, mainly sweets or meals.

The house of the elder family member is the place of activity for Egyptians on the first day of Eid where the family have ‘Ringa’ or fish meal cooked in a very special way. Women bake ‘Kaak’ or biscuit and ‘Shorake’ (Egyptian donut with sesame and sugar). Visiting the graveyard and giving small kids ‘Eidiya’ are typical Egyptian traditions during Eid.

After offering Eid prayers in morning, family members in Sudan come together to wish each other happy Eid.

‘Khabees’ and ‘Kaak’, which are special biscuits, are baked to mark the happy occasion. Most families prefer to have fried fish for breakfast on the first day of Eid.

The cemetery visit and Eidiya offering too are traditions of the African country.