Eid Ul Fitr - - A Day To Cerlebrate the Blessings of Allah Taála

Eid Ul Fitr is one of the most significant festivals among the Muslims. It marks the end of the month of Ramazan also known as Ramadan, the month of fasting. In Arabic language Eid means festivity. Eid Ul Fitr means Festival of Breaking the Fast. This festival falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal, which is the tenth month according to the Islamic Calendar.

Muslims fast during the holy month of Ramazan which is the ninth month according to the Islamic Calendar. During the month of Ramazan Muslims refrain from eating, drinking and smoking from dawn to sunset. During the month of Ramazan Muslims offer more prayers than usual and ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds. The month of Ramazan holds great significance in Muslim history as the holy book of 'Quran' was revealed during this month to Prophet Muhammad.

Following the end of the month of Ramazan, Eid Ul Fitr is celebrated on the first day of the following month after another new moon has been sighted. Eid Ul Fitr falls after 29 or 30 days of fasting as per the sighting of the moon. Muslims all around the world wait eagerly for this festival. The festivities begin with Morning Prayers in Mosques which are attended by men, women and children.

Eid Ul Fitr has been also observed as Thanksgiving Day by the Muslims. On this day Muslims show their real joy for the health, strength and the opportunities of life, which Allah has given to them to fulfill their obligation of fasting and other good deeds during the holy month of Ramazan. Following the prayers Muslims greet family members, relatives and friends. There is also the custom of sending beautiful Eid greeting cards to relatives and friends. Family get together are arranged with sumptuous meals. Muslims also decorate their houses in their own special ways to create a feel of Eid Festival.

This year Eid Ul Fitr is being celebrated in India on Monday, September 21, which is a public holiday.