Eid Ul Fitr 2018 is set to be celebrated in India on the evening of June 14 till the end of June 15 evening. It’s a holy occasion that marks the end of Ramadan- a religious tradition whereby Muslims observe fast from dawn to dusk. Following the Islamic lunar calendar, the followers of this faith offer prayers in mosques and on the first day of the month of Shawwal.
During Ramadan, people observe a strict fast called Roza in which they abstain from food and water between dusk and dawn. As Eid Ul Fitr is all set to begin, people have started preparing for the celebrations with great joy and fervor.
The festivities began after the sighting of the crescent moon. In fact, the date of the festival is also decided by a combination of astronomical calculations and sighting of the moon. It’s the position and shape of the moon and the location that determines as to when Eid will be celebrated.
On this day, people get up early, take bath, wear Itr (perfume) and offer daily prayers known as Salat ul-Fajr. They have breakfast and head to perform special congregation prayers known as Salat al-Eid. People wear new clothes, visit friends and relatives and exchange gifts.
Many also recite the Takbir (declaration of faith) on their way to the prayer ground, after which they participate in Zakat al-Fitr or charitable contributions. These include food items like barley, dates, raisin, or wheat flour. Some people also choose to give a monetary equivalent to the poor.
Usually, all national, state and local government offices, banks, and post offices are closed on this occasion. In some areas, large prayer meetings, parades, and marches are also carried out.
