Eid ul-Fitr, also known as Meethi Eid, is one of the biggest Muslim festivals celebrated worldwide. It marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims complete one month of fasting. This joyful festival is observed with prayers, family gatherings, delicious food, and sweets.
Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha are the two main Eid festivals in Islam. While Eid ul-Adha is called Bakrid, Eid ul-Fitr is popularly known as the sweet Eid because of the special sweets and desserts prepared on this day.
When is Eid ul-Fitr in 2026?
Eid ul-Fitr 2026 is expected to be celebrated on March 20, 2026 (the first day of Shawwal month in the Islamic Hijri calendar).
The exact date depends on the sighting of the moon. In the UAE and many other countries, it is likely to fall on March 20, 2026. In India and other parts of the world, it may be celebrated on March 20 or 21, depending on the moon sighting.
History of Eid ul-Fitr
The tradition of Eid ul-Fitr started around 624 AD. It is believed that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) first celebrated this festival after the victory in the Battle of Badr.
The festival was introduced to mark the end of Ramadan and to thank Allah for the strength to fast for 30 days. Sweets were distributed to celebrate the occasion. Since then, Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid Al-Fitr every year after Ramadan.
This festival is closely connected to the five pillars of Islam: faith, prayer (namaz), fasting, zakat (charity), and Hajj.
How is Eid ul-Fitr Celebrated?
Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm by Muslims across the globe. Here’s how the day usually unfolds:
- People wake up early, take a holy bath (ghusl), wear new or clean clothes, and apply perfume.
- Men and women offer special Eid prayers at the mosque or at the Eidgah in the morning.
- After prayers, people visit family members, relatives, and friends. They exchange greetings like “Eid Mubarak”.
- Women prepare a variety of delicious dishes and sweets (meethai) at home. Traditional sweets like sheer khurma, sewai, and halwa are very popular.
- People give Zakat (charity) and ask for forgiveness from Allah for any mistakes made during Ramadn.
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