Because Eid al-Fitr is based on the Islamic lunar calendar, it can occur at almost any time of the Gregorian year, and its date varies from year to year. Search online or ask a Muslim practitioner to find out when the holiday occurs this year. Individual Muslim countries may have an official 3-day (or more) government holiday planned in advance to cover all possibilities. [2] X Research source Eid al-Fitr 2023 is about from the sundown of Friday April the 21st to the sundown of Saturday April the 22nd. [3] X Research source
Wearing colognes and perfumes is encouraged, in order to present your best self in every respect–not just appearance-wise![6] X Research source Muslim women in South Asia often decorate their skin with henna the night before Eid. [7] X Research source
Aside from dates, there’s no particular breakfast that must be eaten on Eid, and traditions vary by culture, but many people make Balaleet (an omelet with vermicelli), Sheer Khorma (sewai, dates, and milk), or Sajiyeh (a pan-fried beef dish). [9] X Research source People often make Arabic coffee and serve it during both Eids. [10] X Research source
Recently, many people have opted to attend Eid prayers virtually, or to keep their in-person celebrations within their households. [13] X Research source
There are no requirements for the food you eat (other than following halal), but regional traditions include dates, halwa, falooda, cookies with milk, baklava, and vermicelli noodles. [15] X Research source
Zakat al-fitr is done so that poor people may receive the resources to take the day off from work and participate in Eid, as well. [18] X Research source Typically, each individual’s contribution to the poor is about the cost of a meal, and may take the form of money, food, or clothing.
In many regions, Eid is celebrated for 3 days, or celebrated on different days by different Muslim groups. If you like, you can wake up early to repeat the celebration and prayer the next day, as well.
Just like Eid al-Fitr, this holiday is determined by the lunar calendar, so it does not fall on the same date on the Gregorian (Western) calendar each year, and can vary quite a bit. Unlike Eid al-Fitr, there is no special focus on sweets or breaking your fast, since it does not come immediately after Ramadan, which is a time of fasting. Eid al-Adha 2023 lasts from about sundown of Wednesday the 28th of June to sundown of Thursday the 29th of June. [21] X Research source
People often gather in groups to hold a barbecue, or to eat the meat that’s been cooked in a pit oven. Other foods are usually eaten as well, but there are no special requirements apart from following halal. People who can’t make a sacrifice for any reason might send money to someone who can, make the sacrifice with the help of a butcher, or make a charitable donation in the same amount of the cost of an animal. [24] X Research source
