Hari Raya Celebrations In India
Known as ‘Eid al-Fitr’ in India, Hari Raya is a significant religious holiday for the Islamic community, marking the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. While fasting, Muslims refrain from eating as well as engaging in sexual activities from dawn until dusk. The popular belief is that Prophet Mohammed received the first verses of the Quran during this month.
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Fasting is considered as an important religious duty in order to make people appreciate what God has bestowed upon them. An expression of basic beliefs such as empathy for the poor, charity, worship, patience, steadfastness and so on is observed and encouraged. Eid is the first and only day in the month of Shawwal, the 10th month of the lunar Islamic calendar, during which Muslims are not permitted to fast.
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Eid celebrations in India are quite similar to other regional variations in and around Asia because a large part of the Indian continent was once ruled by the Mughal Empire. The night before Eid is called ‘Chaand Raat,’ which translates to “Night Of The Moon.” Muslims, on this day, usually visit the bazaars and shopping malls with their families to shop for Eid. Women apply henna on their hands and feet along with wearing colourful bangles.
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On the day of Eid, before the prayers, a local charity, known as Fitra, is distributed in the form of food and clothes to the poor and the needy. People also visit the grave to offer prayers to the deceased. They also seek forgiveness, mercy, peace and blessings for all living beings across the world. Family gatherings take place in the evening followed by a delicious feast. The traditional greeting involves saying, “Eid Mubarak,” followed by formal embrace. Gifts are often exchanged and kids are given some amount of money, called the ‘Eidi,’ by the elders in the family. Special celebratory dishes such as, Sivayyan, fine toasted vermicelli noodles with milk and dry fruits, is prepared.
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Eid al-Fitr may be celebrated for one, two or three days. The festival not only marks the end of a month but the beginning of a new day in an individual’s life, full of hope and joy. The day observes a rejuvenation of the religion as it creates a stronger bond between the Muslim and His Lord.
