Eid-ul-Fitr, often called as Eid, is celebrated by Muslims all over the world; it marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Eid celebrates the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of fasting during the month of Ramadan.

 

Eid ul-Fitr is known by various names around the world and celebrated for one, two or three days. People greet each other by saying "Eid Mubarak" or "Eid Sa‘id". Eid is an important occasion for Muslims as it also teaches them to practise "forgive and forget" any differences with others.

 

Traditionally, Muslims get up early in the morning (before sunrise) and offer the pre-sunrise prayer and put on new clothes and apply perfume. One one is allowed to fast on the Day of Eid. The ramadaan fast is broken with a small breakfast, usually comprising of a sweet dish, before attending a special Eid prayer (known as salaat). Muslims are also expected to do some charity by offering money to the poor and the needy.

 

After the Eid prayer, Muslims listen to the holy sermon and ask for God's forgiveness, mercy, peace and blessings for all living beings around the world. After the completion of prayers, people visit their relatives, friends and acquaintances and hold celebrations in homes or community centers.

 

In India, a night before Eid, Muslims usually visit bazaars and shopping malls with their families for Eid shopping. Younger girls usually apply the traditional Mehndi on their hands and feet and put on colourful bangles. Eid Gifts (Eidi) are frequently given to children - new clothes and small sums of money form part of the traditional Eidi. After the Eid prayers, Muslim families visit neighbours, family members, relatives and share sweets, snacks and special dishes prepared specifically on Eid.

 

Even though new clothes form the most popular of all Eid gifts, people these days exchange many other stuff as part of their Eid celebrations. With increasing mobility and distance, Muslims living in various parts of the world exchange gifts through several means including online gifting. Online shopping offers a wide variety of materials that can be sent to any part of the world by a click of mouse.