Unique Eid Traditions Around the World

The auspicious month of Ramadan has come to an end and it’s time to welcome Eid Al Fitr with open arms. The aura of this festival is felt throughout the world amongst all Muslims. Performing Eid prayers in the morning to getting dressed is a norm followed everywhere but here are a few unique customs Muslims follow in certain parts of the world. Let’s get to know the cultures of Eid Al Fitr.

• UAE

When it comes to festivals, UAE is the most diverse country — Christmas, New Year, Diwali, and more — all are celebrated with so much love and attention. Due to the large number of Muslims present in the UAE, Eid celebrations are massive! The country organizes incredible cultural events at theme parks, malls, and even communities, for the people to enjoy and grasp the positive vibe.

In the past, Eid in UAE had an essence of its own where men would either buy a new qandoora or dye one of their existing ones using walnut oil and cardamom for the blessed day. Meanwhile, women would dress up wearing traditional attires and prepare their braids with special perfumes.

A significant local dish is prepared exclusively for this festival known as Ouzi — a slow-cooked dish where succulent goat meat is mixed with aromatic rice and garnished with sauteed pine nuts. This dish is served with laban in the enormous events where singing, dancing, and traditional games are a part of the amusement. Exchanging gifts and food has become the new greeting.

• Pakistan/India

Eid celebrations in India and Pakistan start just when the moon appears. Chaand Raat as they call it is full of jingling of traditional colorful bangles while girls choose a matching one for their Eid dresses, tents around the busy bazaar with girls sitting inside getting their henna designs, and mothers quarreling with the tailors for their festive dresses.

The homes are lit up with extravagant light decorations, preparations of signature festive dishes such as the spicy and mouthwatering Mutton Biryani, and the special dessert Sheer Khurma that is a vermicelli pudding made of milk, raisins, and chopped nuts. This ritual is followed by a hearty Eid lunch with friends and family! Visiting your loved ones for the next three days and giving Eidi to kids in return for a thankyou makes your heart warm!

• Saudi Arabia

Celebrating Eid in Saudi Arabia, especially Mecca and Madinah is magical! Going to the sacred mosques for Eid prayers to dropping huge quantities of food anonymously at the gate of the less fortunate is the best way of saying farewell to the Holy month.

On this joyous occasion, Saudis prepare a special dish for the day known as Saleeg — rice cooked in broth and milk served with seasoned lamb. Apart from the extravagant decorations, the smell of bukhoor in family gatherings is a part of the spirit of Eid. Families and friends have enormous gatherings where they get to spend quality time with each other. Meanwhile, the kids of the family form a queue in front of every adult member for Eidi and as a respectful gesture, the kids kiss the hands of the elder.

• Turkey

Eid Al Fitr or Seker Bayram (Sugar Feast) as they call it in Turkey is a mix of multiple traditions from around the globe. Performing Eid prayers in the beautiful mosques of Turkey to a full-fledged family breakfast is how they start their day. Greeting each other with “Bayraminiz mübarek olsun” (“May your Bayram be blessed”) is a great way for rejoicing in the festivities.

Many Turks flock to the beach to spend time under the warmth of the sun with their friends and family. Fishing, swimming, and other fun-filled activities ensue at these sandy coasts for them to relax and rejuvenate after a hectic Ramadan.

Turkey is known for its tea and desserts — a warm qahwa and a range of Turkish delights with a view of the magical sunset by the sea is a peaceful way to end their Eid.

• Malaysia

Malaysians are known for their long-standing tradition of ‘open houses’ where their houses are open to everybody (irrespective of their status and religion) to enjoy delicious food and have a good time.

They decorate their homes with pelita (oil lamps) and prepare traditional dishes such as ketupat, kuih raya, lemang, beef rendang, and more. The lavish spread of feasts for everyone is a unique culture that makes them seem so kind.

With this Holy month ending, we urge our crowd to continue the goodness of Ramadan and enjoy Eid to the fullest. Eid Mubarak from Food Crowd!