On the 10th of April 2024, Muslims across the globe celebrated Eid-Ul-Fitr, the festival to commemorate the end of the Holy month of Ramadan. People from a wide variety of cultures celebrate this holiday, and therefore there are numerous different traditions and ways of celebrating the day, however this is what a typical Pakistani family’s Eid celebration looks like.
Traditionally, the day starts very early, in order to get ready in time for prayer, as Eid is an opportunity to dress up in your fanciest clothes, adorned with jewellery and henna. Once ready, something sweet (often seviyan or kheer, or even just a date) is eaten before going to the Mosque for the congregational Eid Salah (prayer). Before Prayer, it is obligatory to pay fitrana (charity) on behalf of every member in a household. Afterwards, families will often gather for brunch. Traditionally, Pakistani Eid brunches consist of a variety of delicious cultural meals, from halwa puri, to channa, and nihari. After the meal is generally when eidi (gifts or money) is exchanged, and the moment every child looks forward to the most. The rest of the day will usually be spent with family and friends, mostly over a good meal or dessert!
Ultimately, Eid is a day all about community. Spending time with your loved ones, catching up with people you do not see often, giving each other gifts, and donating to the less fortunate.
