Photo: AFP/Abdel Ghani Bashir
Eurasia
10/04/2024 21:56
The start of Eid is traditionally based on sightings of the new moon, which vary according to geographic location.
Islam follows a lunar calendar, so Ramadan and Eid cycle through the seasons.
Before Eid al-Fitr, markets teem with shoppers buying clothes, shoes, cookies and sweets.
An “open house” fills the air as friends and families trade visits celebrating the holiday and enjoying traditional delicacies such as ketupat, rice cooked in a palm leaf pouch, and rendang, a meat dish stewed in spices and braised in coconut milk. Older Muslims give money in green packets to children and guests who visit their homes.
Making or buying Eid cookies dusted with powdered sugar is another fixture of marking the holiday in the country.
In Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, many people embark on an exodus to their hometowns to celebrate the holiday with loved ones. This year, an estimated 193.6 million travelers are expected to crisscross the vast archipelago for Eid in a homecoming tradition known locally as “mudik.”
In Malaysia, Muslims also have a homecoming tradition for Eid. The first day usually begins with a morning prayer in the mosque, seeking forgiveness from family and friends, and visiting loved ones’ graves.
In Egypt, families partake in Eid prayers amid a festive atmosphere. Many visit relatives, friends or neighbors, and some travel to vacation spots. Children, usually wearing new Eid outfits, receive traditional cash gifts known as “eidiya.”
In the United States, where Muslims make up an ethnically and racially diverse minority, many come together for Eid prayers and for festivals featuring fun activities for children and families. These often include such things as face painting and balloon twisting.
One year ago, on January 29, 2025, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, visited the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan. During his visit, he provided a series of recommendations and directives regarding the incorporation of scientific and innovative projects developed by more than two thousand domestic and international researchers into the exhibitions of the Center.
Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen received the Ambassador of Turkic World Culture order, the highest award of TURKSOY, in recognition of his significant contribution to the development and promotion of Turkic culture at a ceremony held in Astana on March 5, The Astana Times reports.
Walking down the corniche I hear the birds chirping, dhows cruising and locals passing by. There’s some tranquility in the air that is unlikely to be found in the always busy Dubai. In front of me the Kuwait towers, where the upper sphere turns full circle every 30 minutes. Gives me vintage vibes, given it was built in 1979.