Id-ul-Fitr is one of the biggest festivals of the Muslims. The word ‘Id’ means happiness literary means breaking of fast. Therefore Id-ul-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawaal, the tenth month in the Muslim calender, to mark the end of a month long fast during the month of Ramzan. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and with great fervour throughout the country.
Id is perhaps the only festival that lays great importance on sacrifice and purity of life. It teaches us the value of love, brotherhood and sympathy. The Muslims keep fast for a month so that their souls are purified.
They pray five times a day and give alms and food to the poor and the needy. They cherish a belief that Allah has given them health, strenght and opportunities of life to fulfil their obligations of fasting and other good deeds during the month of Ramzan.
The day on which Id falls is a day of great merry-making. It is a day of love, affection, harmony and brotherhood. The Muslims wear new colourful dresses. They go to the mosque first to offer Namaz and to seek blessings from their Allah. After that they visit their friends and relatives.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
They embrace each other forgetting old grudges and ill-feelings. They wish each other Id Mubarak. Sweets are prepared and shared with friends and relatives. ‘Sewian’ is a popular dish made on Id. Guests is served with Sewian. “Idi” is also given to the Youngers by the elders.
Muslims from all strata of life are seen happy on Id. A spirit of brotherhood prevails in every heart. There is no distinction between the rich and the poor on this day. All are equal. The Government observes a holiday on this day. The President and the Prime Minister wish a happy Id to our Muslims brothers.
The other sections of the society also enjoy this day. Thus Id is celebrated in a very affectionate environment. India, being a secular country, gives full freedom to our Muslim brothers to enjoy this festival fully.
The festival comes every year to remind every Indian that communal harmony and brotherhood are foremost and they must be given top priority to strenghten the base of the society.