Saturday, August 27, 2011

Eid ul Fitr Ramadan Greetings



Eid Al Fitr is a day of joy and thanksgiving. On this day, Muslims show their joy for the health, strength and opportunities of life, which Allah has given them to fulfill their obligations of fasting and other good deeds during the month of Ramadan. It is considered unholy to fast on this day. It is also a day of forgetting old grudges and ill feelings towards others.  

Eid in India

Muslims form India is largest minority and constitute almost 12% of the country's total population. Islam is also the most recent religion added to India. Islam came to India in 12th century AD and began interacting with the Indian culture, particularly under the Mughal era. Needless to say, it was a mutually enriching experience.

File:Mehndi design.jpg
In Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, the night before Eid is called Chaand Raat, which means, "Night of the Moon." Muslims in these countries will often visit bazaars and shopping malls with their families for Eid shopping. Women, especially younger girls, will often apply the traditional Mehndi, or henna, on their hands and feet and wear colorful bangles.

In India, some popular places for Muslims to congregate to celebrate Eid at this time include the Jama Masjid in New Delhi, Aishbagh Idgah in Lucknow; in Kolkata there is a prayer held on Red Road. Muslims turn out in the thousands, as there is a lot of excitement surrounding the celebration of this festival. Eid is a public holiday and is celebrated all over India. It is common for non-Muslims to visit their Muslim friends and neighbours on Eid to convey their good wishes.