THE WORLD SAYS ‘CHAAND MUBARAK’

Here it is again! Eid-ul-fitr, a festival celebrated world over by the Muslim community marked its presence as people observed the crescent moon, more commonly and lovingly known as ‘Eid ka Chaand’.

People were looking out for the crescent shape as it symbolises the festival and also means the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The moon brings with itself a breath of peace and harmony, love and respect for fellow human beings.

Eid means a reunion with family and friends, going to the mosque to offer khudba (religious prayers) to Allah and eagerly waiting to gorge on some lip smacking kebabs and sewaiyyan and keema patties. I thank my stars that I have Muslim friends to taste these delights!

Muslims are scattered across the globe and that is why almost every nation has a fair share of its celebrations of Eid. We asked some Indian Muslims about the special emotion that runs through when Eid is just round the corner.

For Ishan Siddiqui, Eid brings a certain uniting power unlike any other and it’s the festive spirit that he loves the most, unless of course, there’s food to gulp down.

Saleha Paatwala says, “The best part about Eid is that you meet and greet everyone from your entire family who have been busy otherwise. Also, I love the smell of the food that is in the making during the festival. Then there is Eidi, which is another good thing.”

“Eid-ul-fitr is a festival inclined more towards sweets and so we forget the calorie intakes and savour meethi sewaiyyan, sweets and other bakery items. Plus, everyone meets everyone, even those who have been out of constant touch and we get to shop and eat and relax and pray and feel good. But the most favourite part for me sure is collecting my Eidi!” shares Aanisa Maqbool.

It’s a wrap until next year. To all the Non-Muslims, we hope you got a hang of some mouth watering relishes. To all the Muslims, here’s wishing you all the most wonderful Eid-ul-fitr!