Eid-ul-Fitr is a joyous festival that is a testament to unity and gratitude. It marks the end of the holy Ramadan month and embraces anyone, irrespective of culture and creed, who seeks to partake in its vibrant celebrations. It is when the crescent moon gracefully occupies its position in the dusky sky and people’s hearts are filled with immense joy and happiness. Eid 2024 is a significant traditional, cultural and religious festival celebrated among the Muslims in India. The inhibitions disappear, love takes its place and it is a treat to see how a community comes together to share affection and well-wishes with everyone around them.
Eid 2024 is not just a religious observance but a belief that brings harmony among people. This is the time when you will see people exchanging gifts, donating things and most importantly, bonding over a plate of mouth-watering food, echoing the togetherness seen in other Indian festivals like Diwali and Holi, where the sense of community is equally strong and vibrant.
Let’s dive deep and learn more about Eid 2024, when is Eid, its significance, history, rituals, and the schedule of celebrations!
History of Eid 2024
Eid 2024 is a very crucial festival for the Muslims. It literally translates to ‘breaking of the fast’. We can go ahead and say that it is one of the main pillars that holds the entire essence of Islam. What do we mean by this? Eid-ul-Fitr celebrates what Islam stands for – self-discipline, gratitude and consideration of one’s actions.
Eid 2024 is celebrated to commemorate the day when Prophet Muhammad received the first revelations of the Quran, the holy book of Muslims, in 610 CE. It was after this that the Prophet himself established the rituals and practices that people have to uptake during the Ramadan month and how to break the fast on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr. This includes Zakat-al-Fitr, the holy practice of donating things to charity or the needy before the Eid prayers.
Significance of Ramzan Eid 2024
Eid al-Fitr 2024 is the period of spiritual rejuvenation for Muslims. Through fasting, prayers and acts of charity, the people try to stay connected with Allah and also repent for the sins that they may have committed in the past. While fasting shows their dedication and devotion toward Allah, it is also a way in which they try to empathise with the less fortunate. It helps everyone stay humble and equal before the eyes of God. People seek forgiveness for past transgressions and also take an oath to avoid the mistakes that they have committed in the past.
Ramzan Eid 2024 also marks the time when people try to connect with their dead ancestors. They visit the graveyards and offer prayers, meet with families to relive the memories of the ones who passed and also share food on the day of Eid 2024, thanking Allah for his grace and mercy.
When is Eid 2024?
Muslims keep track of dates using the Islamic calendar, which is based on the lunar cycles. Unlike the common Gregorian calendar, which is based on the sun and used by most of the world, the Islamic calendar runs about 10 to 11 days shorter each year. Because of this, important Islamic holidays, like Eid ul-Fitr in 2024, often fall on different dates every year, moving up by nearly 10 days from one year to the next.
Eid 2024 celebrations and rituals begin on the first day of Ramadan 2024 – the holy month in the Islamic calendar. The Muslims observe the crescent moon in the sky and the day this appears is believed to be the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the lunar calendar. It is the day Ramzan Eid 2024 is celebrated.
So, when is Eid being celebrated in 2024? The exact Eid ul-Fitr date 2024 is going to be the evening of the 9th of April and the festivities extend to the 10th of April as well. 2024 Eid ul-Fitr date is when people break the fast but they begin to fast from the first day of Ramadan 2024.
The fasting rituals during the Ramadan month during Eid 2024
Now that we know the 2024 Eid ul-Fitr date, let us see when the Ramadan month begins. The Muslims will observe their first roza on the first day of Ramadan 2024 which falls on the 12th of March. The last Roza will be observed on the day of Eid Al-Fitr 2024.
From 12th March to 9th April, the Muslims follow these rituals.
- They wake up before dawn to have their pre-dawn meal called ‘Suhoor’. It signifies the beginning of the fasting period for the day and usually includes nutritious food that gives the devotees sustainable energy to work during the day. The platter has good portions of fruits, nuts, protein-rich dishes and plenty of water.
- After having Suhoor, they sit down to offer the first prayer of the day – ‘Fajr’. They recite verses from the Quran and accept that they will fast the whole day without touching food, water, cigarettes, or alcohol and also promise not to engage in marital associations.
- They go about doing their regular jobs and activities for the day while chanting Allah’s name in their mind and heart. They also sit down for periodic prayers during this period.
- At sunset, they have the second meal of the day which marks the end of the fasting duration for that date. It is called ‘Iftar’. Usually, they break the fast by having dates and water, just like Prophet Muhammad did back in the time. Later, they have a bigger meal with friends and family.
- After Iftar, Muslims gather for the Taraweeh prayer. People usually gather at the mosques in large groups to recite longer verses from the Quran and pray to Allah.
Lailatul Qadar
If you have Muslim friends, you must have heard them mention the Lailatul Qadar namaz. Offering the Lailatul Qadar namaz is as important as maintaining the month-long fast during the Ramzan festival 2024. Some would say it is the most significant thing to do during the Ramadan 2024 period. During Eid 2024, Lailatul Qadar falls on the 5th of April.
Lailatal Qadar translates to the ‘Night of Power’ or the ‘Night of Decree’. It is believed to be the exact night when Prophet Muhammad was introduced to the verses of the Quran. It is believed to be equal to a thousand Ramadan months or a thousand months of devout worship. The night is so glorious and peaceful that people believe Allah himself graces the devotees with his presence. Muslims say that the blessings and rewards of the Lailatul Qadar namaz are multiplied manifold, to the extent that offering prayers on one of these nights can give you benefits equal to that of fasting during Ramadan months for your entire lifetime.
While the date is set for 5th April in Eid 2024, Lailatul Qadar falls on any one of the days during the last 10 days of Ramadan month.
Celebrations and Rituals on Ramzan Festival 2024
The fasting period ends on the Ramzan festival 2024. Muslims wake up early in the morning and gather in designated prayer areas, mosques and prayer grounds to offer the morning namaz. These prayers are divided into two parts – Rak’ahs and Khutbah, a sermon delivered by the Imam.
After the prayers, the Muslims greet each other, family, neighbours and well-wishers with the greeting ‘Eid Mubarak’ or ‘Eid Saeed’ which means ‘Blessed Eid’. They pull each other in embrace and wish the best for everyone.
They also engage in Zakat-al-Fitr, the act of charity. They donate clothes, food, toys for the kids, and money among other things. Depending upon the financial status of the devotees, they can share anything they want to with the needy.
Eid 2024 is the time when Muslims finally sit down to fulfil their food indulgences. They gather in family houses, invite neighbours and cook meals together. Remembering Allah and thanking him for his mercy, they eat food and spread smiles.
The men and women in the household dress up in their finest clothing, usually attires that are grand and shiny. They look colourful and vibrant at the festival. The children in the household receive toys or money from elders, called Eidi.
Some people also organise community events with traditional music, carnivals, cultural events and entertainment activities for people of all age groups. Ramzan festival 2024 is the day when Muslims do not let any negative thoughts mask their minds.
The Festive Cuisines during Eid 2024
There are no restrictions as to what you can eat on Eid 2024. However, certain traditional dishes are often made in households.
- Biryani – An aromatic rice dish made with the flavours of rich whole spices, saffron and basmati rice. It is usually made with chicken, lamb or beef in different parts of the world.
- Kebabs – Grilled or skewered appetizers that are made from chicken or lamb, after marinating them in a combination of spices and aromatics.
- Samosas – Crispy triangular snacks that are deep fried after adding a generous stuffing of potato, minced meat or vegetables.
- Sheer Khurma – This is a royal dessert treat that is made from sweetened whole milk, roasted vermicelli, cardamom and saffron sprinkles. Lastly, a generous addition of dry fruits makes the dish more appetising.
- Korma – A creamy curry made with meat, and whole spices and finally served with rice, biryani or naan.
- Maamoul – Date-filled cookies or pastries made with a buttery dough and flavoured with rose water or orange blossom water.
- Pilaf – Fragrant rice made with meat, vegetables or paneer. With rich flavours of cinnamon, cardamom and cumin, the rice goes well with Korma and chicken/lamb curry recipes.
- Falooda – This is a popular Eid treat, especially among children. It is similar to a milkshake but only much better! Falooda is made from milk, rose syrup, vermicelli noodles, basil seeds, and ice cream.
Drum roll! The best and most important recipe to try during the Ramzan festival 2024 – Haleem!
Haleem
Haleem is a flavourful and nutritious preparation that uses wheat, barley, lentils and meat. Usually, you will see chicken and mutton haleem in India. Unlike many other dishes where ingredients are cooked separately and then combined, haleem involves cooking the grains, lentils, and meat together in one pot for an extended period until they meld into a thick, creamy consistency. This slow cooking process allows the flavours to melt and develop.
It won’t be wrong to say that a cook needs stamina to prepare haleem. You will have to stir the ingredients for hours to get the creamy consistency. In the restaurants and outlets, the preparation begins in the first part of the morning and ends in the early evenings! This is one of the main dishes that is prepared majorly during the Eid festival, not just in India but also in other South Asian and Middle Eastern countries.
Difference between Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha
Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha are two major festivals among the Muslim community. But, these are not the same! Though the names sound similar, the history and significance of these holy days are different. Eid Al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting period. It was the time when Prophet Muhammad was introduced to the Quran.
On the other hand, Eid Al-Adha is a festival that translates to ‘Festival of Sacrifice’. This is celebrated to commemorate the day Prophet Ibrahim was ready to sacrifice his son (Ishmail) as an act of obedience to God. But Allah intervenes and sends a huge ‘ram’ to sacrifice in place of his human son. On this day, Muslims sacrifice an animal and divide the meat into three parts – one for the needy, two for friends and family and three for their own household. Eid Al-Adha falls during the last month of the Islamic calendar.
If you want to experience the best Eid 2024 celebrations in India, then we suggest that you pay a visit to cities like Hyderabad, Lucknow and Delhi. Hyderabad is also known for the best Eid cuisines that are available in areas near Charminar and the old city. While you are here, book your affordable accommodations at Treebo Hotels in Hyderabad for a comfortable stay experience.
Now that you know everything about Eid 2024, welcome the time of self-realisation, and spiritual awakening. It is time to engage in activities that will open your heart to more kindness and gratitude. Eid Mubarak!
