Eid ul-Fitr (say eed-ool-fit-r) is a time to celebrate the good things in life and give thanks for all the blessings you have, is celebrated this week. It marks the end of Ramadan, a very important time of year for Muslim people.
The dates of Muslim festivals and holy days are worked out by the phases of the moon. This means the dates for Muslim festivals are different in each country.
Ramadan, which lasts for 30 days, occurs before Eid ul-Fitr. During this time, Muslims only eat and drink after sunset as they cannot do so in daylight. There is a big meal at sunset called Iftar. Ramadan begins and ends when there is a new moon in the sky, looking like a thin part of a circle, called a crescent. It is a time of prayer and thinking about your life and how you are living it.
The happy festival called Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. People dress in their best clothes and put lights and decorations in their homes. They visit each other's houses. Children are given money and treats. Muslims share their good fortune by giving money to charity to help others and to give money to their church, called a mosque.
We wish everyone Eid Mubarak this week.
From Cultural Captains,
Dhriti
and Tasfi