Muslim worshippers across the world are celebrating Eid Al-Fitr to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan, when faithful fast from dawn to dusk. Traditionally, Eid Al-Fitr, often referred to as 'Eid', is a three-day feast but can be longer or shorter depending on the country. It's a time for friends, family share happy moments and giving thanks to God. Eid usually begins with morning communal prayers, to show appreciation to God. These take place by congregations in open area such as a field, community center, or mosque. During Eid, Muslims greet each other by saying 'Eid Mubarak', which is Arabic for "Blessed Eid". While there is no set garment for any one country, it is common for Muslims to wear their best traditional clothes, inherent to their culture. For example, in Pakistan men and women wear traditional Shalwaar Kameez. The festival falls on Tuesday this year in Pakistan, with the government having announced four-day holidays for its celebration. On Tuesday, people gathered in mosques and open air places across the South Asian country to kick off their celebrations with special congregational prayers in the morning, which were followed by feasts and fun-filled activities. Prayers are then traditionally followed by a big meal, between family and friends, where gifts are shared. This year, Muslims around the world are observing Eid Al-Fitr in the shadow of a surge in global food prices exacerbated by the war in Ukraine. Against that backdrop, many are still determined to enjoy Eid amid easing of coronavirus restrictions in their countries while, for others, the festivities are dampened by conflict and economic hardship. Muslims are a relatively small minority in Europe, making up roughly 5% of the population — but Islam is the second-largest religion in Europe after Christianity. In Eastern Europe there are several Muslim majority countries, including Kosovo (96%), Albania (85%) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (55%). In Bosnia and Herzegovina, head Imam Husein Kavazovic led prayers at the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque in Sarajevo where worshipers filled the mosque, its courtyard and the adjacent streets. Thousands of Muslims in Kosovo gathered at a central mosque in the capital Pristina to celebrate. Bulgaria, Montenegro, Macedonia and Georgia also constitute large Muslim populations. The crescent moon for the Islamic month of Shawwal was sighted in India on Monday evening, after which prominent clerics announced that the festival of Eid Al-Fitr wwould be celebrated on May 3. India's president, prime minister, political leaders and celebrities extended their greeting to the citizens. President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday greeted fellow citizens on the eve of Eid-Al-Fitr and said that this festival inspires people to strive for building a harmonious, peaceful and prosperous society. During the holy month of Ramadan, devotees observe Roza and offer special prayers, he said. "Eid Al-Fitr is celebrated as the month of Ramadan ends. Special importance is given to distribution of food and food-grains among the poor on this occasion. This festival inspires people to strive for building a harmonious, peaceful and prosperous society," Kovind said. On the auspicious occasion of Eid, let us resolve to rededicate ourselves to the service of humanity and to improve the lives of the poor and needy, the President said. On the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, I extend my best wishes and greetings to all the fellow citizens, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters," he said. The Delhi police have issued alert on the occasion of Eid across the sensitive areas in the national capital. As Eid happens to fall on the same day as the Hindu festival Akshaya Tritiya, security personnel are on their toes to avoid any untoward incidents, even as clashes were reported in Rajasthan's Jodhpur late Monday night and in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag. Several Bollywood celebrities including Akshay Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Raveena Tandon, and Huma Qureshi among others took to their respective social media handles and wished fans on the occasion of Eid. In Washington, US President Joe Biden too greeted Muslims with an Eid message. He also posed for a selfie while hosting a reception to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr at the White House in Washington, on Monday. Biden said, "Jill and I extend our warmest wishes to all who are celebrating Eid Al-Fitr. As Muslims around the world conclude the month of Ramadan, may the spirit of community, compassion, and service we have witnessed over the month continue throughout the year." Vice President Kamala Harris too extended warm greetings on the occasion of Eid. "Doug and I send our warmest wishes to all who are celebrating Eid Al-Fitr. Muslims in the US and around the world celebrate after a month of deep reflection, helping those in need, and connecting with community. From our family to yours, Eid Mubarak!" US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken too congratulated Muslims in the US and around the world on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr. "On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my warmest greetings and congratulations to Muslims and all those who celebrate Eid Al-Fitr in the United States and around the world," Blinken said in a statement. Apple CEO Tim Cook too joined in extending warm greeting. "Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating around the world! Wishing you a joyous and peaceful holiday connecting with family and friends." Across the US border, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau too wished Muslims in Canada and all around the world a joyous Eid after a month of fasting. He tweeted: "Eid Mubarak! I'm sending my warmest wishes to all Muslims who are celebrating Eid Al-Fitr and marking the end of Ramadan. After a month of prayer, fasting, and giving back, I hope you're able to enjoy this time of celebration and community." Indonesia too was in a festive mood on Eid day. On Eid Al-Fitr, Indonesian people enjoyed an array of delicious food with family and friends for their first daylight meal after a month. At the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, tens of thousands of Muslims attended prayers Monday morning. The Istiqlal Grand Mosque in Indonesia's capital Jakarta was shuttered when Islam's holiest period coincided with the start of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and was closed to communal prayers last year. Malaysia declared Eid celebrations Monday. Earlier, Brunei and Philippines also announced Eid on Sunday. With Saudi Arabia, UAE, Brunei, Philippines, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Morocco, Muscat, Yemen, Sudan, Egypt, Tunisia, Iraq, Syria, Palestine and other Arab countries celebrating Eid Monday, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other South Asian countries marked Eid on Tuesday. — Agencies
