(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Eid is not only a one day show in Pakistan. The festivities continue for many days. The entire aura is filled with jubilations. Muslims in Pakistan celebrate Eid al-Fitr in most simple and possible way.
People also donate money for charity purposes as Eid is to bring a smile on other people’s faces and destroy all evil inside.
Pakistan is an Islamic country. Thus, Eid is the most significant festival for the citizens of the country.
Pakistani Muslims spend last 2 to 3 days before Eid in a frenzy of last minute Eid shopping.
Mosques start displaying the amount of Zakat al-Fitr to be given to the needy during the last 2 days of Ramadan, with collection booths set up for this purpose outside their doors.
The Eid celebrations in Pakistan start a month before the eve of Eid during the holy month of Ramadan. Marketplaces are adorned with traditional decorative items and scintillating with lights.
During Ramadan, they decorate their houses and prepare gifts for their loved ones. It is also the best time of the year to go for shopping as shopkeepers offer discounts and other attractive options. Everyone buys new clothes to wear on the big day.
The holiest month of Ramadan is widely observed in Pakistan. Muslim Pakistanis fast, attend mosques with increased frequency, and recite Quran. Special foods are cooked in greater quantities, parties are held, and special accommodation is made by workplaces and educational institutes.
When the moon of Shawwal (lunar month) is sighted Eid day celebrations commence, marking the end of the month of Ramadan.
In the night people celebrate by various means, such as girls putting henna on their hands. People buy gifts and sweets that will be given to friends and families who come over to celebrate the end of Ramadan.
The streets, major building and landmarks, even outside of malls and plazas, put on displays of elaborate decorations and colourful light shows. There are large crowds in the city center to celebrate the beginning of Eid, and it is usually a boom time for business.
On Eid day, there is national holiday and many festivals and events take place to celebrate Eid.
The day of Eid starts with morning prayers. Special Eid prayers offered across the country and the faithful after completing a month of fasting pray for the prosperity of the country besides extending wholesome wishes for friends and family.
After the prayer, the Imam gives short sermon exhorting righteousness and reminding the Muslims to strive to continue their steadfastness in worship, a routine to which they adhered in Ramadan.
Women of the houses excitedly prepare for Eid morning’s sweet before Eid prayer, which, according to local Pakistani tradition which is a nutty, thick and creamy milk.
In Pakistan elders give money to young one ones called as ‘Eidi’.
During the evening people hit the town for some partying, going to restaurants or relaxing in city parks. For the children it is a very happy day because they receive money from all the elders, to spend and enjoy themselves. They also can receive clothes or gifts.
Employees get bonuses, factories and offices close down for a couple of days, and food and money are distributed to the poor. Because it marks the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr is always an occasion for a big meal, and families come together like Thanksgiving.
Special security arrangements tightened in the entire country to avert any untoward incident on Eid al-Fitr. To this effect, police and law enforcement agencies have made special security arrangements at different public places, highways, big shopping malls and markets.
People in parts of Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa province and tribal regions have celebrated Eid before the official announcement of the occasion.
End item/ 149
