Popularly known as the festival of fast breaking, Eid is a Muslim festival celebrated all over the world, to mark the end of the month long dawn-to-dusk fasting in Ramadan. Eid is celebrated twice a year with great pomp and show. The first occasion known as Eid-ul-Fitr, falls in the holy month of Ramzan. The other one is celebrated around the month of Zil-Haji and is known as Eid-ul-Zuha.
Delhi swells up with faith
Delhi has once again proved that it is indeed a city with a magnanimous heart. Baring any religious divide or monsoon hurdle, everyone has come out to join their Muslim brothers in the celebrations.
Delhi is at its best during Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations and Old Delhi undoubtedly snatches away all the limelight. and Ballimaran are decked up like a bride and reverberate with energy. The festivity has mounted up in the city with Muslims buying new clothes, gifts and of course, preparing traditional delicacies. Rains lashing the city since the last couple of days could not undermine the spirits of the people. The glittering streets of the city seem to be dancing to the pulsating sounds of vigorous activities.
Being a Delhiite, you just cannot afford to miss the splendor of the Jama Masjid. It can be easily reached by both public and private transport. A walk from the nearest metro station of Chandni Chowk on Eid, could be a relishing experience.
The essence of Eid
Worshippers embracing and greeting each other after offering Eid prayers in the mosques, is generally a breathtaking sight. Fairs arranged during this occasion, has their own charm. Walking through the exuberant streets, filled with the wonderful aroma of Sewai and Kebabs, you will definitely find yourself slobbering.
During Ramzan, Muslims imbibe the qualities of self-control and forgiveness. Eid-ul-Fitr or Eid, meaning festivity in Arabic, signifies love, brotherhood and forgiveness. People believe that the doors of heaven are opened while hell is closed. To thank Allah for the blessings and protection, many people offer prayers and pay zakat, a religious tax. The money derived from this tax is distributed among the poor and the needy.
The Splendour of Eid is witnessed in other cities including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Ajmer. However, the Muslim community of Darjeeling has decided to keep Id-ul-Fitr celebrations on a low key this year, in order to express their solidarity with the Gorkhaland movement staged by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha.
