Despite having acquired some 21st-century trappings, Eid’s mix of religion and revelry is centuries old.
The first day of Eid al-Fitr celebrations will begin on Friday, June 15 in most Muslim countries.
The first day of Eid al-Fitr will be Friday, June 15, in most Islamic countries after the moon of the month of Shawwal has been sighted.
Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey, and Malaysia were among the first countries to announce Friday as the first day of Eid.
Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya also announced they would celebrate Eid on Friday, in addition to the United States and most of the European countries.
The moon was not sighted in India or in Pakistan, which means that Eid will be celebrated on Saturday, June 16.
New Zealand and Australia will also ring in the Eid celebrations on Saturday.
Eid Mubarak in Arabic means “blessed celebration” and is a common greeting for Eid al-Fitr. Other greetings include:
Eid al-Fitr means “festival of breaking the fast” and marks the end of Ramadan. Eid is an official holiday in all Muslim-majority countries, but the number of days varies by country.
Muslims across the world begin Eid day celebrations by partaking in the yearly prayer service that takes place shortly after dawn.
This is preceded by the giving of alms to the poor, or Zakat, which is one of the five pillars of Islam.
It is common for the capitals of Muslim majority countries to decorate their cities with festive lights and hold carnivals to commemorate the end of the holy month, with children dressed in new clothes, offered gifts and money to celebrate the joyous occasion.