'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.
Islam follows a lunar calendar, with the sighting of the crescent moon determining the start and end of each month. This means the date of Eid, which marks the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawwal (the 10th month), changes in the Gregorian calendar each year.
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 seek forgiveness and develop devotion to the Almighty. It's as if the soul is being purified and cleansed. The beginning of the holy month is marked by the sighting of the new moon, which brings joy.
Eid Al-Fitr
Eid Al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is also well known as the festival of “Breaking the Fast”. Millions of Muslims throughout the world gather with their families and friends to attend morning prayers to seek blessings, listen to a khutba (sermon), wear new clothes, greet friends and family, give Zakat al-Fitr (charity in the form of food), and share feasts together. It's an occasion for Muslims to show their gratitude to God and give alms to the poor.
Many Muslims dress in their finest clothes, exchange small gifts, and host parties. Girls and women get intricate henna tattoos painted on their hands. On this day, every adult in the family offers gifts to the children.
Eid is the celebration of Allah. It is also an opportunity to reflect on Ramadan and all of the wonderful aspects of our lives that we are blessed to have.
Significance of Ramzan Eid
Ramzan is considered to be the month in which the Prophet Muhammad received the Quran for the first time. Ramzan Eid for Muslims is a day of enormous religious significance. It's an occasion to rejoice, and it's one of the most significant days on the Muslim calendar.
1. Gratitude for food
Throughout Ramadan, abstaining from eating and drinking during the day serves as a powerful reminder of how fortunate we are to have the option of eating and drinking. Families exchange food, visit big markets, and distribute meals to the less fortunate during Eid.
As individuals meet their friends and relatives, delicacies such as sheer kurma, malpua, and phirni are cooked. Date and dry fruit sweets are consumed and shared. The signature dish of the feast is sawaiyan (vermicelli pudding), a sweet dish that is savored and shared with friends and family.
Eid is a three-day celebration of joy and thanksgiving for the blessings of everyday gifts. Restaurants and eateries remain open all night in some parts of the country.
2. Gratitude for Health
Eid is a time for Muslims to express gratitude to Allah for providing them with the strength to fast and the ability to practice resilience and self-control.
Our health is often taken for granted in everyday life. For many people, Ramadan serves as a reminder to take care of oneself, slow down, and eat well in the evenings. Fasting is a difficult task, and Eid honors those who have the strength to do so, it is a celebration of the gift of health.
3. Gratitude for family
Eid, like many other holidays, is celebrated by spending time with family and friends. We live in a fast-paced society where work and daily duties keep us continually busy. Unfortunately, many of them are unable to spend it with those they care about. Muslims are encouraged to be joyous and gather together as a community during Eid.
There are many reasons to be thankful for Eid, and Ramadan teaches us something new each year, but most importantly, people will gather to think of others and celebrate life.
Modern Eid Celebrations
Many people observe old customs, but some also follow modern ones. People use social media to convey Eid greetings. On various messaging apps, they wish each other 'Eid Mubarak.' Malls attract a large number of people. Restaurants are completely booked in certain areas. A specific Eid collection of dresses is designed by several fashion designers. Nowadays, stylish and modern Eid decorations are available for homes.
During Ramadan and Eid, Indian Bollywood celebs host Iftar parties. Eid is a time for getting together, greeting one another, and celebrating. Across the country, devotees gather at mosques to offer prayers. During Ramzan, even a sip of water or a crumb of food might break the fast. As a result, after a season of harsh restraint, Muslims all across the world rejoice in the Eid feast.