Eid is an Islamic festival celebrated every year. Eid means happiness and two Eid festival are celebrated in Pakistan.
- Eid ul Fitar
- Eid ul Adha
Eid Ul Fitar
Eid ul Fitar according to the Islamic calendar (which is a lunar calendar) is the first Eid. It is celebrated after the month of Ramadan (Islamic Month) during which Muslims fast and make a commitment to one’s self to be faithful and be kind to the poor. Eid al-Fitr in Pakistan is also known as Chhoti (Urdu: small) or Meethi (Urdu: sweet) Eid. It is celebrated for 3 days and the date depends upon the sighting of the moon which confirms the start of a new month. These are the official Eid Holidays and all businesses are closed down.
The shops are and Bazar week before Eid gets crowded as people start eid shopping which includes buying new dresses and food items for the Eid celebrations and dinner and lunch parties. People going home to their families also buy gifts. Few days before Eid people will generally resume their work and shopping and travel to their families.
Chandraat is the night before Eid. During this night the moon is sighted and is the last night of Ramadan. Women and girls go to bazaars that are decorated welcoming young girls and older women to buy bangles made of fine glass and get Heena tattoo. Chandraat celebrations mostly involve shopping.
Eid day begins with a special prayer in all cities towns and villages, people make special dishes for the Eid which are mostly Sweets and deserts of different types specially Vermicelli. People in the cities go back to visit their families during the Eid Holidays. Many people arrange fairs in their towns and cities which attracts many people. One of the Eid tradition is that elder family members give out cash to children.
Employees get bonuses, factories, and offices close down for a couple of days, and food and money are distributed to the poor. Because it marks the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr is always an occasion for a big meal, and families come together and eating. Many people choose to travel during Eid and use up their annual holidays during Eid times.
Traveling to Pakistan During Eid
During Eid although most businesses close down airlines, hotels and basic facility shops stay open. Transportation facilities including airlines and bus services are overbooked. Calling hotels to make sure if they will stay open is important as many small businesses will close down or will have limited facilities available.
Parks, picnic spots and other public spaces are also crowded as people use the holiday to go places with family.
If you decide to travel to Pakistan during the holiday make sure that you talk to your transporters, driver, guide, etc about the eid holidays and if they will take te days off or not. Mosque during eid will be crowded with prayer and it is best to avoid visiting/ Touristic activities during the morning Eid prayer.
Buy a colorful shalwar kameez if you plan to visit local friends and their families and bring along sweets.
Leave a Reply