It is the feasting after fasting, the celebration of self restraint and victory of piety. It’s time for Eid.

‘Eid’ in Arabic means ‘festival’ and ‘Fitr’ means ‘breaking the fast’. It is celebrated by Muslims world over which marks the end of the holy month of Ramzan.

The significance of Eid-ul-fitr is rejoicing in the remembrance of Allah and expressing gratitude for fulfilling the obligatory fasting sincerely. Celebrations entail wearing new clothes, family get-togethers and preparing scrumptious delicacies but the true spirit of this festival is enlivening Indianess, forgiveness, peace and grace.

Dressed in their best with henna-decorated hands, they toss up special culinary delights. Biryani and sewaiyya are the must haves and shared with family,friends and neighbours. Children often receive pocket money as ‘Eidi’.

“This is the day I look forward to, as for me it’s the most joyous day of the year. I make sure the poor and needy in the neighbourhood are not deprived of the celebration and hand them over the basic necessities for the occasion to celebrate Eid,” said Muneer Ahmed, a resident of N.R.Mohalla.

“I visit my relatives and neighbours and exchange Eid greetings. Later in the day my children invite their friends for Biryani and Sheerkhorma” said Bibi Sara, a resident of Rajivnagar.

Altaf Hussain Subhani who runs the girls orphanage called ‘Jamai Gulshane Fatima’ in Shantinagar said, “To me the true sense of Eid celebration is when Allah accepts the fasts and the prayers that I have performed during the holy month of Ramzan.”

Eid-ul-fitr,  which is a culmination of a blessed month is a gateway to strengthen faith, family ties and foster brotherhood amongst communities.

— Shadan Muneer