Eid Around the World: Unique Traditions from 5 Countries

The end of auspicious Ramadan month and the beginning of Eid Al Fitr (the feast of breaking fast) is just few days away. The crescent moon on the day of Eid marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and confirms the start of Eid Al Fitr celebrations. And the predictions have already begun when the Eid Al Fitr 2018 will fall in respective countries.

However, the festive aura felt throughout the holy month of Ramadan attains top excitement level on the beginning day of Eid Al Fitr. Muslims dress up in new clothes all over the world and exchange gifts, visit families, and of course enjoy the gastronomical delights. Besides the usual celebrations, every country has a unique Eid tradition and we have rounded up all for you.

Unique Eid Festive Traditions from Around the World

Indonesia

Known as Lebaran, Indonesia celebrates Eid Al Fitr in grand style. People bake a traditional thousand-layer cake called Lapis Legit. Huge crowds bang drums, light up firecrackers, and carry torches in the streets on the eve of Lebaran. And of course, malls are packed with people for last-minute shopping. Usually, the sales of the Islamic fashion industry see a 20-30 per cent spike during the festive season.

Malaysia

Malaysians celebrate this truly joyous occasion by traveling to their hometowns on the day before Eid. Of course, the day before the festival would be the busiest time for them as they would be involved in decorating their homes with pelita (oil lamps) and preparing traditional dishes. Ketupat, Kuih Raya, lemang, rending, etc. are popular dishes.  The ‘open houses are a long-standing tradition of Malaysia. The houses are open to everybody (irrespective of their status and religion) to enjoy delicious food and a good time.

Saudi Arabia

On the occasion of Eid, Saudis share joy through a number of festive events and recreational activities. The country is extravagantly decorated as a part of Eid Al Fitr celebrations. Families and friends usually get together for special Eid food and before it is being served, kids of the family usually stand in front of every adult member of the family who gives Riyals (Saudi currency) to the kids.

There is one more unique tradition about Eid in Saudi Arabia – the locals leave huge quantities of rice and other stuff anonymously at the gate of the less fortunate.

Turkey

In Turkey, Eid Al Fitr is also known as Seker Bayram which means the Sugar Feast. The country has a tradition of referring to all nationally celebrated festivals as “bayram”. The revels of Eid Bayram are mixed with nationwide traditions. Turkish usually address one another with “Bayraminiz mübarek olsun” (“May your Bayram be blessed”)or “Bayraminiz kutlu olsun” (“May your Bayram be blessed”). Mutlu Bayramlar (“Happy Bayram”) is also another statement for rejoicing in the festivities. Following the prayers and family gatherings, children usually receive a range of Turkish delights. The celebrations end with people meeting, greeting, and celebrating the joyous occasion with their near and dear ones.

UAE

Emiratis celebrate with Ouzi, a significant local dish that is prepared exclusively for the festivities. It is a slow-cooked dish where succulent goat meat is mixed with rice and garnished with fried pine nuts. Also, the country organizes incredible cultural events and shows like magic tricks, decorated themed parks, dance shows, etc. The entire UAE ushers in new festivities with hundreds of events during the festive period.

Though the mode of celebrations, the traditions, and the culture varies, the spirit remains the same everywhere. How do you celebrate Eid?