When is Eid 2018 in India? Significance of the festival and how is it celebrated?

Muslims observe the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, Ramzan or Ramadan, as the holy month of fasting. The month is observed with unique rituals.

Ramzan commemorates Prophet Mohammad's first revelation of the holy book of Quran. This year the month of Ramzan began in India on May 16.

During the month-long event, practising Muslims observe roza, which is abstinence from food and water, from dawn till dusk and break their fast in the evening with a meal called Iftar. Iftar fare includes food, exclusively prepared for the occasion. Organised either within one's home or in a public space, it is a time for grand eating and merrymaking.

Eid or Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramzan.

When is Eid 2018 in India?

This year in India, Eid will be celebrated on June 16. However, Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated in Kerala on Friday as the moon sighted on Thursday, Jama Masjid Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari said. Depending on the sighting of the moon, the dates for Eid can vary across the world and change from year to year.

Significance of Eid?

Eid al-Fitr signifies the completion of Ramadan, which is the holy month for the Muslim community. Muslims fast during this month for 29-30 days. Therefore, the festival of Eid al-Fitr symbolises the completion of fasting throughout the Ramadan month. Usually, the festival day shall fall on the opening day of the Shawwal month. The beginning date of the month of lunar Hajri fluctuates on the basis of the annotations of a new moon by religious bodies. The accurate date for celebrating the festival varies from locality to locality. Muslims entrust that they have been commanded by the God to fast during the Ramadan month. Other names of Eid al-Fitr include Eid ul-Fitr, Id-Ul-Fitr and Eid.

How is it celebrated?

On the day of the festival, worshippers wake up early and offer Salat ul-Fajr (daily prayers). People wear new clothes and eat sewayi. After breakfast, they go to the mosque to offer Eid prayers, Salat al-Eid. Eid al-Fitr is a popular Islamic festival, which is celebrated across the world. The Muslim community gathers at masjids to pray. After the common prayer, the community interchanges the festival greetings and gifts. The festival is celebrated for 2-3 days.

Eid celebrations often go on for three days.