Eid-ul-Fitr is a holy festival in the Islamic religion. As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, all Muslims await the sighting of the new moon and prepare their selves for the feast of Eid-ul-Fitr, which is celebrated on the first 3 days of Shawal.

Eid Celebrations in Western and Northern Countries

In western countries, all Muslim community gathers in mosques, Islamic centers and open parks to offer the Eid prayer. After Eid prayer Muslim giving Eid greeting to each other in a formal Islamic way. All Muslims prepare special dishes and spend their whole day in Islamic centers and parks. They also exchange gifts and sweets. There are large feasts organized in different Islamic centers where Muslims gather and interact with each other and also perform different joyful activities. Eid-ul-Fitr is not a public holiday in western countries but the government offers extensions and leaves to Muslims, to enable them to enjoy the celebrations of their holy festival. As there are no public holidays for 3 days so it is better for you to apply leave application in the last 10 days of Ramadan so you can enjoy all Eid celebrations.

Eid Celebrations in Asian Countries

Asian countries like Pakistan, Indonesia, Iran and India, the night before Eid is observed with dedication by everyone, including the children. If they witness the Moon, Muslims give greetings to each other. They also visit shopping malls and grand bazaars with their families to buy new clothes, shoes, and gifts. Girls especially visit markets to buy new matching jewelry items with their clothes and apply henna on their hands and feet. All Muslims gather in open parks to offer Eid prayer and give greeting after prayer saying “Eid Mubarak” in a formal Islamic way. Traditional dishes are prepared and served to all family members after Eid prayer. Children receive gifts and money from their parents and elders. They also visit their relatives during the 3 days of Eid festivals and exchange gifts. There is a public holiday during the 3-day festival of Eid. As there are a great number of Muslims lives in Asian countries, they all do their Eid shopping on the Moon night and all markets are usually crowded so it’s clever to start doing your Eid shopping in the last 9-10 days of Ramadan.

Eid Celebrations in Middle East Countries

Middle East countries like UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and etc. Have public holidays during the 3-day festival of Eid. The festival of Eid is celebrated with great zeal and devotion. All Muslims gather in open parks or grounds to offer Eid prayer and give their greetings in a traditional Islamic way. Special dishes are prepared with traditional recipes and homes are decorated with lightings.  Children receive gifts and money from their parents and elders. The whole family and relatives gather at their homes. They offer gifts to strangers and poor, to enable them to enjoy the celebrations of this holy Muslim festival along with them. Families also spend all 3 days of Eid by hitting the road and going on vacations. So, if you are really planning to spend your Eid at any tourist destination outside your town, rather than staying at home, we recommend you to confirm your bookings before Eid in order to avoid any inconvenience.