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Ramzan Id

Ramadan is considered to be the most angelic of all the months of the Islamic calendar. It was in this month that The Quran was revealed providing guidance to the people as to how to lead a life full of truth, courtesy and dispensation. In the sacred month of Ramadan the Muslims observe fasts for 29-30 days depending upon the Islamic calendar. Unlike the fasts of the month of Muharram, these fasts are mandatory to be observed and each fast out of the total thirty fasts has a significance of its own. The families fast the entire day and eat only after the night prayers. Even a drop of water is prohibited the entire day. Coming of the new virgin moon marks the end of Ramadan and arrival of Eid. The meaning of Eid is recurring happiness and fervor. A very important aspect of this day is charity. All the Muslims are expected to extend as much charity as possible to the needy on this day.

Fasting is considered to be the Third pillar of Islam and has its own benefits. For some it is the means of self-control and for some complete and desire less devotion to Allah. For some it is a way of purification of soul of all sins and for some it is a sacrifice that would bring them closer to the almighty.

On the day of Eid all Muslim families dress up in new clothes of vibrant colors. Women decorate their hands and feet with Heena and complete the attire with jewellery and gems. Muslims gather in the Mosque courtyards to offer special prayers to God in the morning itself and after that they enjoy the delicious and scrumptious meals made especially for the occasion.

The main dish of the day is Sheer which comprises of rich dry fruits, vermicelli, sugar, milk and rice all combined and cooked together. Like all the Hindu festivals even Muslims organize get tog ethers, visit the loved ones and spread the spirit of the Holy Day across the place. "O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint” Quran 2:183