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Eid-ul-Fitr,
commonly known as the "Festival of the Breaking of the Fast",
occurs as soon as the new moon is sighted at the end of the month of
fasting, specifically Ramadan.
Fitr is resulting from the word 'fatar' meaning
breaking. Fitr has one more meaning derived from another word fitrah
meaning 'alms'. The festival is intended to be a festive and
happy occasion. Special foods and delicacies are made for the day and
are distributed among neighbors and friends.
Eid-ul-Fitr famous festival celebrates the end of Ramzan, the
Muslim month of fasting. It is an event of feasting and delight. The
devotees meet in the mosques to pray; friends and relatives meet and
exchange greetings. Prayers, family get-togethers and feasts are the
major highlights of the festival.
Different most festivals, Ramadan doesn't fall on any particular day.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic year. It is usually a time for
increased religious loyalty and self test.
The 30-day fast is broken on Id-ul-Fitr with luxurious feasts
which people hold each other three times, as is laid down in the
Quran. Prophet Muhammad announced a day for celebrations to
repeat the feeling of Id-ul-Fitr brotherhood. Women prepare sweets at
home.
Id is the largest festival to the Muslims of India. The celebration of
the birthday of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa is another
notable religious festival held every year on a day in early
March at the Belur Math, headquarters of the
Ramakrishna mission. The solemn observance draws not only Hindus but
people of other religions and Non-Indians, and lakhs of people
converge there to pay homage to the great saint. Hindu and Muslim Saints
of local fame are commemorated in countless fairs and celebrations in
every part of India. Every old temple has its annual day when pilgrims
gather there and inevitably a fair of big or small size comes up around
it.
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