Prayers being offered on Eid at Red Road.

Eid-ul-Fitr is the biggest festival of Muslims and is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm by Muslims in not just Kolkata, but the world over. The joyful event follows the month of Ramadan (ramazan) and occurs on the first day of Shawwal, which is the tenth month in the Islamic Calendar. Fasting in the month of Ramadhan is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is, therefore, a practical requirement of the faith and is regarded as an act of devotion.

While Eid is an occasion for joy and happiness, it is certainly not an occasion to indulge in frivolity, over-eating and mere pursuit of pleasure. The main purpose is always to seek the pleasure of Allah almighty by glorifying Him and rendering thanks to Him for having enabled them to perform their duties duly.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast throughout the day, from dawn to dusk. The purpose behind fasting is to feel the thirst and hunger and realise what poverty is, in order to feel the plight of the poor and needy. It also cleanses the internal organs of the body, which is benefical and healthy for the systems functioning. Fasting is also beneficial as it helps one to develop self-control over one's mind and body.

At the end of the month, Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated with the sighting of the new moon. On this day, Muslims dress in new clothes, have light sweet snacks or dates and attend special Eid prayers held at Red Road, Nakhoda Mosque and in other masjids (mosques) in and around the city in the morning.

Family and friends visit each other, exchange greetings and gifts and feast on special dishes prepared for this occasion. Prayers, family get-togethers and feasts are major highlights of Eid-ul-Fitr. Alms is given to the needy and houses are cleaned and decorated to usher in Eid-ul-Fitr.

On such an auspicious and festive occasion, Muslims are specially reminded of their obligation towards the poorer section of society. A special contribution called 'Sadaqat-ul-Fitr' or 'Fitrana' is fixed for this purpose. The contribution should be paid by the head of the family on behalf of all the members of the family. It is advisable to pay this contribution before the Eid service in order to enable the poor to join in the festivities of the day.

Shops and make-shift stalls selling sewai/savayya or fine toasted vermicelli noodles is a sight commonly observed in Kolkata during Ramadan. Eid-ul-Fitr is also a time for shopping and a large number of shops offer special discounts to mark the occasion.