Eidul Fitr is observed on the first of Shawwal (10th Islamic month). It marks the end of the blessed month of Ramadan. It is also an occasion of gratitude, not because Ramadan ends but because we got to experience it. Ramadan is a month of patience and self-control, it teaches us to resist thetemptations of material world. As it’s been said in Quran:
As for whoever exceeded the limits and preferred the life of this world, surely his abode will be the Fire; and as for whoever feared to stand before his Lord and restrained the desires of his self, surely his abode will be the Garden
Surah 79:39-40
So EidulFitr is a reward for Muslim community for their patience in understanding the suffering of those who are less fortunate than themselves.
Eid in Pakistan is generally initiated with the sighting of moon: ‘Shawwal kachandnazar a gyahai. KalmulkbharmaiEid-ul-Fitrmanaijayege’ are the words each Pakistani Muslim is praying to hear on the eve of 29th Ramadan. One other fast doesn’t affect things by a great deal but we still are pleased for early celebrations. After the announcement, prayers are offered and people greet each other. This announcement is also a message for those who are living away from families to return home so cities are generally cleared out except for locals.
Our nation has an addiction for shopping one day before Eid even if it is for minimal things like bangles and henna. Roads are jammed with Chand Raat traffic. Temporary stalls are set up for the night. Ladies are later found in kitchens preparing for the fancy meals of the morning. Young girls are busy in beautifying themselves because everybody has to look their best for the day.
Eid day begins with Salat e Eid as is custom. Then people offer ‘fitrana’ to those who are needy. Eid is also an occasion to remember those who are lost to us. Pakistan has been through countless tragedies but afterwards how we come together is what defines us as a nation. People make sure that those in the shoddier neighborhoods are also a part of the celebrations. Many people visit orphanages and other welfare homes to spread the Eid cheer.
Meals on Eid day are a carnival of their own. Desserts are a must! Traditional desserts like Kher, Sheer-khurma, Sawaiyaan are prepared and shared which is why Eidul Fitr is also known as Meethi Eid. People are invited or visited by their relatives; gifts, hugs, and smiles are exchanged. Elders give gifts or money as Eidi to the young, who then set out to spend it. Around the time evening sets, people start to head out to have fun. Eid fairs are arranged. Restaurants offer family deals, and amusement parks get crammed full. TV channels broadcast special transmissions for those at home.
Islam being 2nd most practiced religion in the world, Muslims are spread across the globe. So EidulFitr is celebrated in nearly all parts of the world and the merriment generally continues for three days.