105 million Muslims make India the second most populous Islamic nation in the world. They form India’s largest minority and constitute almost 12% of India’s total population. Islam is also the most recent religion added to India’s already potent cultural concoction. Islam came to India in the 12th century a.d. and opened a dialogue with Indian culture especially under the Mughals. Needless to say, it was a mutually enriching experience. A majority of India’s Muslims live in the north but a significant number are found all around the country. Hence their traditions add yet another dimension to the vast cultural.

In year 2008 Id Ul Fitr will be celebrated on Wednesday, 1st October

Celebrations of Id-Ul-Fitr

During the auspicious month of Ramzan, Muslims observes day long fast and offer special prayers to almighty. Eid festival marks the end of Ramzan and Muslim community all over celebrates this pious festival with utmost devotion. Id-Ul-Fitr

On the festive day of Id Ul Fitr Muslims dress-up in the new clothes, apply perfume and Muslim women decorate their hands with beautiful textures using heena and wears shimmering jewelry to celebrate the festive enthusiasm. Muslims gathers in the Mosque or a large open area to offer Special prayers of Eid. After that they wish greetings of Eid and embrace each other.

Delicious dishes like vermicelli and kheer (sweetened milk) are prepared and distributed among friends and relatives in social get togethers. On this day Muslims distribute a kind of gifts in form of food, clothes or cash to the needy person.

This festival celebrates the end of Ramzan, the Muslim month of fasting. It is an occasion of feasting and rejoicing.

The devotees gather 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.

Unlike most festivals, Ramadaan doesn’t fall on any particular day. Ramadaan is the ninth month of the Islamic year. It is usually a time for increased religious devotion and self-examination.

Legend of Id-Ul-Fitr:

Id Ul Fitr is celebrated at the end of the Ramzan which is the most pious month in Islami Calendar. According to the legend, one day Prophet Muhammad had a vision in which the angel Jibril told him how Allah wanted people to live. Then Allah's words were revealed to Muhammad through the angel during the month of Ramzan, and the words were written down to form the holy Qur'an. Prophet Muhammad declared the last day of Ramzan to celebrate Id Ul Fitr and strengthening the feeling of brotherhood.