Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr, "the festival of the breaking of the fast", is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the month that follows Ramadan. In India it is also called Meethi Eid, "sweet Eid", for the sweet dish served, usually sewaiyan or sheer khurma.

The day

People bathe, wear their best or new clothes, eat something sweet (often dates) and go to the Eid prayer, held in a large congregation at an Eidgah (open prayer ground) or a mosque, in the morning. It is a two-rakat prayer with extra takbirs, followed by a sermon (khutbah). Afterwards people embrace and greet each other with "Eid Mubarak" and visit family and friends.

Zakat al-Fitr

Before the prayer, Muslims give a small charity called Zakat al-Fitr (or Fitrana) on behalf of each member of the household, so that the poor can also celebrate. The amount is announced by local scholars each year, usually as a measure of staple food or its value in money; see our Zakat guide.

Food and gifts

Sweet vermicelli (sewaiyan), sheer khurma, biryani and other family dishes are common; elders give children money called Eidi. Neighbours and friends of other faiths are often invited, and sharing food is part of the day.

If you are not Muslim

A good, simple greeting is "Eid Mubarak" (blessed Eid). If you are invited, you can bring a sweet gift, and accept food as offered; many families are glad to welcome guests. Avoid scheduling meetings that day if you can.

Dates are expected dates from the Umm al-Qura calendar. The real day of Eid is fixed by the sighting of the moon, and can be a day later (often in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and elsewhere). Please follow your local announcement. This page is not a religious ruling; ask your local mosque or a trusted scholar.