Delhi’s Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah and Nizamuddin Market were abuzz with festivity as Muslims gathered in vibrant attire to offer prayers on the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. The iconic dome of the Nizamuddin dargah, adorned with radiant yellow lights, illuminated the atmosphere, signaling the commencement of Eid celebrations on Thursday.
#WATCH | People offer prayers at Bhubaneswar’s Jama Masjid on the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr pic.twitter.com/Jvo4Elcie8
— ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2024
Crowds filled the markets, with enthusiastic shoppers purchasing sweets, clothes, and essentials for the festive occasion while exchanging heartfelt Eid greetings. A significant congregation also assembled at the iconic Jama Masjid to partake in the Eid prayers.
#WATCH | People offer Namaz on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
(Drone visuals from Delhi’s Jama Masjid) pic.twitter.com/GyY2SuNySp
— ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2024
To ensure a safe and peaceful Eid celebration, enhanced security measures were put in place in the national capital. Police conducted thorough checks of vehicles and individuals, and barricades were erected in anticipation of the increased footfall at the dargah later in the day.
#WATCH | Gujarat: Devotes gather in huge numbers and offer namaz at Jama Masjid in Ahmedabad, on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. pic.twitter.com/ssCg34X4kM
— ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2024
Eid ul-Fitr is observed on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The festival holds profound significance, rooted in the tradition of moon sighting, a practice ingrained in Islamic culture for centuries. According to beliefs, Prophet Muhammad awaited news of the crescent moon’s sighting, signifying the beginning of a new month.
#WATCH | Telangana: People gather at Mecca Masjid mosque & Charminar in Hyderabad on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. pic.twitter.com/zVnzlcppNX
— ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2024
Meanwhile, in Mumbai’s Mohammed Ali Road, preparations were also in full swing for Eid-ul-Fitr. The ambiance was lively as people thronged shops to purchase sweets, dry fruits, and clothing in anticipation of the festive occasion.
Speaking to Media, Razeer, a shopkeeper, shared his excitement for Eid, underscoring the significance of the month of Ramzan and its associated traditions. “In the month of Ramzan, we fast for a month. Today, it is all about prayers and celebration as Eid ul-Fitr is here. On Eid, we prepare a special drink called Sheer khurma by mixing almonds, pistachios, and other ingredients in milk, which we then enjoy,” Razeer remarked.
#WATCH | Delhi: People hug each other as they celebrate after offering Namaz at Jama Masjid. pic.twitter.com/XI2ikyNeS8
— ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2024
“Our shop has a history of 70 years, and we are expecting a large number of customers this Eid. The rush during Eid is such that we barely find time for ourselves at the shop. Cashews, almonds, raisins, dates, and vermicelli are in high demand during Eid,” he added.
Sheer khurma, also known as sheer korma, is a delectable dish made with dates, milk, and vermicelli, representing a cherished part of Eid celebrations.
#WATCH Delhi: Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah decorated ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. (10.04) pic.twitter.com/WTM47qJVe4
— ANI (@ANI) April 10, 2024
Faiyaz Khan, another shopkeeper, elaborated on the popularity of their establishment during this festive period. “Eid is a significant event for us, and there’s always a huge crowd of customers at our shop. Throughout the month of Ramzan, we hardly have any free time. I am a dry fruit seller, and my shop is very popular around here. My shop remains open 24 hours, year-round,” Khan shared.
The sighting of the crescent moon on Wednesday marked the conclusion of the holy month of Ramzan and the commencement of Eid ul-Fitr, one of the most revered festivals in the Islamic calendar.
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: People offer Namaz at Shahjamal Aligarh Eidgah on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. pic.twitter.com/KLfFvECF6q
— ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2024
In Lucknow, the Markazi Chand Committee announced that since the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted in the country on Tuesday, Eid-al-Fitr would be celebrated on April 11. Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali informed ANI, “The moon has not been sighted in Lucknow, and we have no information about the moon from anywhere in the country. So it has been decided that Eid-al-Fitr will be celebrated on April 11.”
#WATCH | Children hug as they celebrate after offering Namaz in Delhi’s Jama Masjid on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. pic.twitter.com/X4DpOrIRoy
— ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2024
As Eid-ul-Fitr marks the culmination of the month-long Ramzan fasting and the onset of Shawwal, which is the tenth month in the Islamic calendar, Muslims across the world celebrate this auspicious occasion with prayers, feasting, and joyful gatherings. The variation in the observance of Eid on different days, typically with a one-day difference, is due to the significance of moon sighting in determining the end of Ramzan and the commencement of Eid festivities.
