Eid al-Fitr facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eid al-Fitr |
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From top: Muslims performing the Eid prayer at Suleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey; cakes and sweets, which are popularly consumed during the celebration in Algeria; a sparkler being lit during Eid celebrations in Indonesia
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Official name | Arabic: عيد الفطر, romanized: Eid al-Fiṭr |
Also called | Festival of Breaking the Fast, Lesser Eid, Sweet Eid, Sugar Feast |
Observed by | Muslims |
Type | Islamic |
Significance | Marks the end of fasting in Ramadan |
Celebrations | Eid prayers, charity, social gatherings, festive meals, gift-giving, dressing up, Lebaran |
Date | 1 Shawwal |
2024 date | 10 April to 11 April |
Related to | Ramadan, Eid al-Adha |
Eid al-Fitr is a super important holiday celebrated by Muslims all over the world! It's one of two main holidays in Islam, and it marks the end of Ramadan, a month when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Think of it as a big celebration after a month of discipline and reflection.
Eid al-Fitr happens on the first day of a month called Shawwal in the Islamic calendar. Because the Islamic calendar follows the moon, the date changes each year on the regular calendar we use (the Gregorian calendar). People sometimes call it 'Lesser Eid' or 'Sweet Eid' because of all the delicious food!
On Eid al-Fitr, Muslims perform a special prayer called salat. This prayer usually takes place in a big open field or a large hall. It's done together as a group. During the prayer, people say "Allāhu ʾAkbar" (meaning "God is the greatest") several times while raising their hands. After the prayer, Muslims celebrate in many fun ways, and food is a big part of it! This is why it's also known as "Sweet Eid" or "Sugar Feast."
Contents
What is Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr is one of the most joyful holidays for Muslims. It means "Festival of Breaking the Fast." This holiday celebrates the end of Ramadan, which is a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. Eid al-Fitr is a reward for their hard work and devotion during this month. It's a time for happiness, gratitude, and spending time with family and friends.
History of Eid al-Fitr
The celebration of Eid al-Fitr began with the Islamic prophet Muhammad. According to old stories, these festivals started in a city called Medina. This was after Muhammad and his followers moved there from Mecca.
When Muhammad arrived in Medina, he saw people celebrating two special days with fun and games. He then told them that God had given them two better days for celebration: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
How Eid al-Fitr is Celebrated
Eid al-Fitr officially begins when the new crescent moon is first seen in the sky. If the moon can't be seen on the 29th day of the month (maybe because of clouds or it's too bright), then the holiday is celebrated the next day.
The celebration usually lasts for one to three days, depending on the country. It's actually forbidden to fast on Eid day! Before the special Eid prayer, Muslims give money to those in need. This act of charity is called Zakat-ul-fitr.
The Eid Prayer
The Eid prayer is a very important part of the celebration. It's usually done in a large open space, like a field, or in a big mosque. There's no special call to prayer for Eid. The prayer itself has two parts, and it includes special sayings and movements.
After the prayer, there's a short talk or sermon. This sermon often reminds Muslims about the meaning of Eid and how to give to charity. After the prayers, families and friends visit each other. They also have big parties at home or in community centers.

Sunni Prayer Steps
Sunni Muslims praise God loudly as they go to the Eid prayer. They say:
Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar. Lā ilāha illà l-Lāh wal-Lāhu akbar, Allahu akbar walil-Lāhi l-ḥamd
This means "God is the greatest, God is the greatest. There is no god but God, and God is the greatest, God is the greatest, and to God belongs all praise." They stop saying this when they reach the prayer place or when the Imam (prayer leader) starts.
The prayer begins with a special intention. Then, the Imam and everyone else say "Allahu Akbar" three times, raising their hands. After this, the Imam reads parts of the Quran. The prayer continues with bowing and prostrating, just like in other prayers. This finishes the first part.
For the second part, everyone stands up. The Imam reads more from the Quran. Then, they say "Allahu Akbar" three more times before bowing. The rest of the prayer is completed as usual. After the prayer, there is a sermon.
Shia Prayer Steps
Shia Muslims also start their prayer with a special intention. They say "Allahu Akbar" five times in the first part of the prayer. After each "Allahu Akbar," a special prayer is recited. Then, the Imam reads from the Quran, and everyone bows and prostrates.
In the second part, they repeat the same steps: five "Allahu Akbar"s, Quran readings, bowing, and prostrating. After the prayer, the sermon begins.
After the Prayer: Celebrations!
During Eid, Muslims greet each other by saying "Eid Mubarak," which means "Blessed Eid" in Arabic. Since it comes after a month of fasting, sweet dishes and delicious foods are a big part of the celebration.
Muslims often decorate their homes and wear new clothes. It's also a time to forgive each other and ask for forgiveness. In many countries with lots of Muslims, Eid al-Fitr is a public holiday, so schools and businesses close. How people celebrate can be a little different depending on the country and region.
Eid Traditions Around the World
Middle East

Arab States of the Persian Gulf
In countries like the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, men often buy new traditional white robes called Kandora. Women wear special clothes, perfumes, and braids. Many homes offer fruits, dates, tea, or coffee to visitors. Cities are decorated with bright festive lights.
In Bahrain, families enjoy Eid dinners with rice dishes like quzi or machboos. Popular sweets include halwa or khanfroosh. Women often paint beautiful Arabic henna designs on their hands or feet.
Saudis decorate their homes and prepare amazing meals for family and friends. They also get new clothes and shoes. A common tradition is for families to gather at the oldest family member's home after prayers. Before the special meal, children line up to receive money as gifts from adults.
Omanis often eat foods like shuwa with kahwa coffee. In some places, traditional songs and dances are performed.

Children in some areas gather in small groups and sing in front of homes. Their songs ask God to bless the youngest child in the family. The more they sing, the more nuts and sweets they receive! This tradition is called Qarqee'an and helps spread happiness.
Iran

In Iran, experts check for the new moon to decide the date of Eid al-Fitr. Iranian Muslims take part in the Eid al-Fitr prayer and give charity. The celebration is usually a one or two-day national holiday.
Turkey

In Turkey, Eid al-Fitr is called Ramazan Bayramı ("Ramadan Festival") or Şeker Bayramı ("Sugar Festival"). It's a time for people to go to prayer services, wear their best clothes, and visit family and friends. They also visit cemeteries to remember loved ones.
Young children often go door-to-door wishing everyone a "Happy Bayram." They receive candy, chocolates, traditional sweets like baklava, or a small amount of money. Mosques and public fountains are lit up, and there are often concerts and traditional dance shows.
Egypt
Egyptians spend the first day of Eid al-Fitr gathering with family in public gardens. Children usually get Eidi, which is a small amount of money to spend on fun activities. Streets are often crowded with people celebrating during Eid.
Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon
After the Eid al-Fitr prayer, people in Jerusalem decorate the Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyards with toys for children. Many Palestinians visit families of prisoners and the graves of those who have passed away.
A day before Eid, Al-Aqsa Mosque is decorated, and old markets are full of children and women carrying trays of cakes to bakeries. Palestinians and Jordanians decorate their homes and prepare big meals. They also get new clothes and shoes. Families gather at the oldest family member's home after prayers. Children line up to get money as gifts from adults. Jordanians also hang fanous lanterns.
In Lebanon, many concerts with famous singers happen during Eid al-Fitr. There are also art shows. Popular cookies like Ma'amoul and Kahk are baked and eaten during Eid in these countries.
Iraq
In Iraq, kleicha (a traditional snack) and lamb are popular foods. Iraqi Kurds often visit cemeteries to remember loved ones the day before Eid. After prayers, families gather for big breakfasts with rice, stew, candies, nuts, and coffee.
Yemen
In Yemen, Bint al-sahn is a favorite snack during Eid celebrations.
Africa
Nigeria
Eid is known as Small Sallah in Nigeria. People greet each other by saying "Barka Da Sallah," which means "Greetings on Sallah" in the Hausa language. The celebrations can last up to three days.
Tunisia
Tunisia celebrates Eid for three days, with preparations starting even earlier. Special sweets and biscuits, like Baklava and various ka'ak, are made or bought to give to friends and family. Kids receive gifts, usually money or toys, from parents and older relatives. Families often invite close friends and relatives for Eid dinner, and after dinner, people love to sing and dance.
Somalia

In Somalia, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with big feasts. Special dishes like xalwo (halwo) and buskut (buskuit) are served.
Tanzania
Muslims in Tanzania dress in nice clothes and decorate their homes with lights for Eid al-Fitr. Special foods are prepared and shared with family and visitors, and children receive gifts. In Zanzibar, people buy new clothes, and women shop for handbags and jewelry. Some young people enjoy dancing at clubs on Eid nights. Children often receive coins from locals.
South Africa

In Cape Town, hundreds of Muslims gather at Green Point on the last day of Ramadan to look for the moon. After the sunset prayer, the official moon sighting results are announced.
Morocco
Eid es-Seghir is the name for Eid al-Fitr in Morocco. Many families buy new clothes for their children. Common Eid dinner foods include couscous and lamb or beef skewers. In the north, musicians play traditional music with fast clapping.
Ethiopia
Eid is a very important event for Muslims in Ethiopia, who are the largest Muslim community in East Africa.
Sudan
In Sudan, Eid preparations begin a few days before. Families bake lots of cookies like ka'ak and bettifour, and make popcorn to share with guests. People buy or sew new Eid clothes, and girls and women decorate their hands and feet with henna. Houses are cleaned and decorated.
On Eid day, men and boys (and sometimes women and girls) go to the Eid prayer. For the next three days, families visit each other. They serve baked goods, chocolates, and sweets, and often prepare big lunches for visitors. Children receive gifts, like toys or money.
Senegal
The holiday is widely called Korité in Senegal and other parts of West Africa. It's a national holiday, celebrated for three days. Families often get new clothes made, and gifts and donations are exchanged.
Ivory Coast
In the Ivory Coast, Eid is a big feast for Muslims. The celebration lasts between two and ten days, depending on the region.
Central Asia
Tajikistan
In Tajikistan, the holiday is known as Idi Ramazon and is a national holiday.
Kyrgyzstan
In Kyrgyzstan, Eid is called Orozo Ait. People celebrate by partying, eating, and singing. Festivals often include horse racing and other horse sports. People wear fancy, bright clothes. Children sing special tunes called Jaramazan and receive cooked bread, candy, or cash.
Uzbekistan
Ramazon Hayit or Roʻza hayiti is a public holiday in Uzbekistan. Traditional pastries like kush-tili, plov, and chak-chak are prepared the day before Eid al-Fitr. Shops sell many candies and children's toys during this time.
Kazakhstan
Known as Oraza Ait, Kazakh Muslims visit each other and share fried doughnuts called baursaki. Mutton, soup, tea, and kymyz (horse milk) are also popular foods and drinks during the holiday.
South Asia
Afghanistan
In Afghanistan, Eid al-Fitr is very important and celebrated for three days. It includes special fun for children and the youngest family members. Afghans start preparing up to ten days before by cleaning their homes. They buy new clothes, sweets, and snacks like Jalebi and Bolani.
On Eid day, Afghans first offer their prayers. Then they gather with families, saying "Eid Mubarak" and adding a special greeting that wishes for their prayers to be accepted. Elders give money and gifts to children. It's also common to visit family and friends. Young girls and women apply henna designs on their hands and feet. At night, many campfires are lit around houses.
India
Eid is a public holiday in India. It starts after the new moon is seen on Chand Raat. On that evening, people go to markets for last-minute shopping for clothes and gifts. They also start preparing food for the next day. Traditional Eid foods include biriyani, sheer khurma, and sivayyan (sweet vermicelli noodles). Women and girls also put henna on each other's hands.
The next morning, Muslims go to their local mosque for Eid prayers and give charity. Afterwards, children receive Eidi (cash gifts), and friends and relatives visit each other's homes to eat and celebrate.
Pakistan
In Pakistan, Eid al-Fitr is also called chhotī īd (Lesser Eid) or mīṭhī īd (Sweet Eid). People give charity to the needy before or during Eid. At home, families enjoy a special Eid breakfast with sweets and desserts like Kheer and Sheer Khurma. Children especially love Eid because they receive "Eidi" (money gifts) from relatives. The State Bank of Pakistan even prints fresh banknotes for this purpose every year!
Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan Muslims enjoy eating watalappam, falooda, samosa, gulab jamun, sheerkurma, oil cake, and other local dishes during Eid.
Bangladesh
Preparations for Eid in Bangladesh start in the last part of Ramadan. Markets and malls get very busy. People who work away from home return to their villages to celebrate with family. On Chaand Raat, children gather to see the crescent moon. Girls decorate their hands with Mehndi.
Lachcha semai (vermicelli) is served for breakfast with Roti or Paratha. Then people go to Eid prayers. Children greet elders by touching their feet and receive "Salami" or "Eidi (gift)" (money), which makes them very happy. Delicious dishes like Biryani, Polao, Pitha, Kabab, and Korma are served. Wealthy Muslims also give charity to the poor. People visit relatives and friends, saying "Eid Mubarak" (Happy Eid).
Nepal
Eid is a national holiday in Nepal. Nepalese Muslims often eat sewai (vermicelli pudding) to celebrate. It's marked by big prayers, dinners, and social gatherings across the country.
Maldives
Celebrations in the Maldives include cultural performances like fire shows.
Southeast Asia
Indonesia

Eid is known in Indonesia as Hari Raya Idul Fitri or Lebaran. It's a national holiday. Many people travel back to their hometowns (this trip is called mudik) to celebrate with family and ask for forgiveness from elders. Festivities start the night before with chanting and lighting lamps.
On Eid day, after morning prayers, charity for the poor is given out at mosques. Families and neighbors gather in traditional clothes and enjoy a special Lebaran meal. Children receive money in colorful envelopes. Muslims also visit the graves of relatives to clean them. They also visit living relatives in a special ritual called Halal bi-Halal. Lebaran continues with drumming and street parades.
Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei
In Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, Eid is often called Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Hari Raya Puasa. Hari Raya means 'Celebration Day'.

It's common for people working in cities to return to their hometowns to celebrate with family. This is called balik kampung (homecoming). The night before Hari Raya, mosques are filled with sounds of takbir. In many rural areas, pelita (oil lamps) are lit outside homes.
Special dishes like ketupat, rendang, lemang (sticky rice cooked in bamboo), and Malay sweets are served. People greet each other with "Salam Aidilfitri" or "Selamat Hari Raya" (Happy Eid). Muslims also say "maaf zahir dan batin," which means "Forgive my physical and emotional wrongdoings."
Muslim-Malaysians usually wear traditional clothes for Hari Raya. Men wear the Baju Melayu with a sarong and a songkok hat. Women wear Baju Kurung or baju kebaya.
In Malaysia's big cities, people often have "open houses" where they welcome neighbors, family, and other visitors. Non-Muslims are also welcome. People also light traditional bamboo cannon firecrackers called meriam buluh, which can be very loud and dangerous. Children receive small amounts of money, known as "duit raya," from adults.
Thailand
There are almost 3 million Muslims in Thailand. In the southernmost provinces, wearing gold on Eid is popular. In some areas, Muslim homes welcome visitors with special food.
Cambodia, Vietnam
Muslims in Cambodia often open their homes to friends and neighbors to share food. Men, women, and children dress in nice clothes, often white to show purity. It's customary to donate 3 kilograms of rice to the poor or disabled during Eid.
Eid is also celebrated by the smaller Muslim community in Vietnam, who are mostly from the same ethnic group as in Cambodia.
Myanmar
During Ramadan, in towns with many Muslims, Burmese Muslim youth form singing teams called Jago. They sing popular songs with new Burmese lyrics about fasting and Islam.
Philippines
Among Muslim Filipinos in the Philippines, Eid al-Fitr is known as Hariraya, Buka, or Hariraya Buka Puasa. It's also called Wakas ng Ramadan (End of Ramadan). It became a legal holiday for Muslim Filipinos in 1977 and a public national holiday in 2002.

Its start is decided by seeing the crescent moon. This can sometimes differ by region. Traditionally, the moon sighting was marked by drum beats. Today, some people celebrate with a "Mobile Takbir," revving motorcycles or honking horns. However, religious leaders discourage these noisy and dangerous practices.
Hariraya is about giving gifts (Eidi), sharing food (salu-salo), and visiting elders and the sick. Food and charity are also given to the poor. Various traditional sweet treats are served for breakfast, like daral, dodol, and tinagtag. Activities include dancing, boat races, and horse races. In big cities, celebrations are held at major mosques and public places. The celebration lasts for three days.
East Asia
China mainland
In mainland China, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by at least 10 ethnic groups who are mostly Muslim. It's a public holiday in certain regions like Ningxia and Xinjiang. All residents in these areas get a one-day or three-day holiday. Outside these regions, only Muslims get a one-day holiday. In Xinjiang, even the Han Chinese population celebrates Eid al-Fitr. During the holiday, meat like mutton and beef is given to families as part of a welfare program. In Yunnan, some Muslims visit the grave of Sayyid Ajjal Shams al-Din Omar after prayers. They read from the Quran and clean the tomb, similar to the Chinese Qingming festival.
Taiwan
The Eid al-Fitr prayer and celebration in Taiwan get a lot of attention from local news. Special reports are often in newspapers and on TV. This helps boost Islamic activities in Taiwan. Muslims, mostly workers from Indonesia, often gather at Taipei Main Station for prayers.
Europe

Albania
Albanian Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr like most other countries. It's known as Fitër Bajrami or Bajrami i Madh. Magiritsa (Greek Easter soup) is a popular food.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Eid al-Fitr is called Ramazanski bajram. It's a three-day public holiday. People attend a dawn prayer and sermon, then visit each other, give gifts to children, and enjoy baklava.
Greece
Eid al-Fitr (also called Seker Bayram, or Sugar Feast) is celebrated in Greece mainly by the local Muslim minority in the Western Thrace region. On Bayram day, families gather, wear their best clothes, and celebrate with a meal after morning prayers. Women prepare sweets for family and visitors. Small children visit elders, kiss their hands as a sign of respect, and receive candies, sweets, and small amounts of money. Local Muslim shops close, and Muslim schools have a five-day holiday.
Russia

In Russia, Eid al-Fitr is often called Uraza Bayram. It's a public holiday in several republics. Most festive dishes include mutton, but salads and soups are also popular. Since the Muslim population is diverse, traditional dishes vary. For example, in Tatarstan, pancakes are popular.
Russian Muslims go to festive prayers at mosques in the morning. Afterwards, they often visit older relatives to show respect. In some regions, children go to different houses with a bag to collect candy. In Dagestan, eggs with bright stickers are a popular traditional dish. People dress up, with women choosing bright dresses and older people wearing traditional hats. Many places host workshops where families can do activities like embroidery and clay making.
Ukraine
In Ukraine, Eid al-Fitr (Ramazan-bayram) and Eid al-Adha have been official state holidays since 2020. During the festival, Ukrainian Muslims (many of whom are Crimean Tatars) often gather with loved ones.
United Kingdom
Eid al-Fitr is not a public holiday in the United Kingdom. However, many schools and businesses allow people to take a day off for religious celebrations.
Most mosques in the UK hold special events after Eid prayers. These can include Islamic music, brunch buffets, and fun rides like bouncy castles for kids. New Eid traditions are also forming in the internet age, with people decorating houses, giving gifts, and having Eid parties for children.
Americas
United States
In New York City, street cleaning rules are paused on Eid. Starting in 2016, New York City public schools also close on Eid. In Houston, Texas, big annual prayers are held at the George R. Brown Convention Center. In other states with fewer Muslims, schools might stay open.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has released special Eid postage stamps many times since 2001. These stamps honor Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Most mosques in North America host special events after Eid prayers. These include Islamic music, brunch buffets, and fun rides like bouncy castles and carousels for kids. New Eid traditions are also appearing, with Muslims decorating houses, giving gifts, and holding Eid parties for children.
Trinidad and Tobago
The Muslim population of Trinidad and Tobago often eats sawine (vermicelli), a sweet dessert, to celebrate. The feast also includes curries, rotis, and chicken and curry goat. Eid al-Fitr is a public holiday in Trinidad and Tobago.
Suriname, Guyana
Eid al-Fitr is a public holiday in Suriname and Guyana.
Argentina
In Argentina, Eid (Fiesta del Fin del Ayuno or "Feast of the End of the Fast") is officially a non-working holiday for Muslims.
When is Eid al-Fitr?

The date of Eid al-Fitr is always the same in the Islamic calendar. However, because the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar (based on the moon) and the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar (based on the sun), the Eid date moves about 11 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar.
This means that sometimes, Eid al-Fitr can happen twice in the same Gregorian calendar year! This happened in 2000, and it will happen again in 2033. This happens every 32 or 33 years. The exact Gregorian date can also be different between countries. This is because it depends on when the new moon is seen locally.
The table below shows recent and upcoming dates for Eid al-Fitr in Saudi Arabia:
Islamic year | Umm al-Qura predicted | High Judiciary Council of Saudi Arabia announced |
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1422 | 16 December 2001 | 16 December 2001 |
1423 | 5 December 2002 | 5 December 2002 |
1424 | 25 November 2003 | 25 November 2003 |
1425 | 14 November 2004 | 13 November 2004 |
1426 | 3 November 2005 | 3 November 2005 |
1427 | 23 October 2006 | 23 October 2006 |
1428 | 13 October 2007 | 12 October 2007 |
1429 | 1 October 2008 | 30 September 2008 |
1430 | 20 September 2009 | 20 September 2009 |
1431 | 10 September 2010 | 10 September 2010 |
1432 | 30 August 2011 | 30 August 2011 |
1433 | 19 August 2012 | 19 August 2012 |
1434 | 8 August 2013 | 8 August 2013 |
1435 | 28 July 2014 | 28 July 2014 |
1436 | 17 July 2015 | 17 July 2015 |
1437 | 6 July 2016 | 6 July 2016 |
1438 | 25 June 2017 | 25 June 2017 |
1439 | 15 June 2018 | 15 June 2018 |
1440 | 4 June 2019 | 4 June 2019 |
1441 | 24 May 2020 | 24 May 2020 |
1442 | 13 May 2021 | 13 May 2021 |
1443 | 2 May 2022 | 2 May 2022 |
1444 | 21 April 2023 | |
1445 | 10 April 2024 | |
1446 | 30 March 2025 | |
1447 | 20 March 2026 | |
1448 | 9 March 2027 | |
1449 | 26 February 2028 | |
1450 | 14 February 2029 | |
1451 | 3 February 2030 | |
1452 | 24 January 2031 | |
1453 | 14 January 2032 | |
1454 | 2 January 2033 | |
1455 | 11 December 2034 | |
1456 | 1 December 2035 | |
1457 | 19 November 2036 | |
1458 | 9 November 2037 | |
1459 | 29 October 2038 |
Eid in Arts and Media
Eid al-Fitr is a time for lots of entertainment! The final episodes of Ramadan TV shows often air on Eid. There are special movies, plays, and comedy shows. Shopping malls are busy, and there are music festivals and concerts. Fun fairs, amusement parks, and circuses are also popular. Many places have picnics, and some even have fireworks!
Images for kids
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The first Mughal Emperor Babur greets courtiers during the Eid al-Fitr festival (19th century)
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Eid al-Fitr mass prayer at Delhi's Jama Masjid, India
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Sweets being sold in a store in Ankara, Turkey
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Family celebrating eid, Tajikistan
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Lighted up Commercial Street in Bangalore, India during Eid al-Fitr
See also
In Spanish: Eid al-Fitr para niños