After 30 days of abstaining from food and carnal desires, it is the hope and prayer of every fasting person that their souls have been cleansed to a certain extent. Eid Ul-Fitr is an occassion that is “earned” by self-conditioning unlike other occassions such as weddings and public holidays that come to happen regardless. For this reason, it gives the Muslims a sense of great satisfaction and joy.
Typical activities during the day of Eid start with visiting the mosque for the early morning prayer, then again for the special prayer and then followed by meeting and embracing of relatives and friends. In India and probably throughout the sub-continent, “Eidi” (money) is given to children by elders, gifts are also exchanged. Friends (both Muslims and non-Muslims) are invited for lunch/dinner and eagerly look forward to the Biryani!
After this, many people choose to spend the evening out or continue visiting relatives and friends. For me though, in the past few Eids that have gone by, a relaxing nap in the afternoon has been the norm.
Here is wishing everyone a happy Eid and God willing, we will have an opportunity next Ramadan again for more introspection and soul cleansing.
Photos courtesy:
Mosque: Flickr stream of Radiant Guy
Biryani: Flickr stream of Pengrin
