Eid al-Fitr facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eid al-Fitr |
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| Also called | Lesser Eid, Sweet Eid, Sugar Feast |
| Observed by | Muslims |
| Type | Islamic |
| Significance | Commemoration to mark the end of fasting in Ramadan |
| Celebrations | Zakat al-Fitr, Eid prayers, gift-giving (Eidi), family and social gatherings, festive meals, symbolic decoration, charity |
| Date | 1–3 Shawwal |
| 2026 date | 20 March – 22 March |
| 2027 date | 9 March – 11 March |
| Related to | Ramadan, Eid al-Adha |
Eid al-Fitr is one of the two most important festivals for Muslims around the world. It means "Festival of Breaking the Fast." This special day marks the end of Ramadan, a month when Muslims fast from dawn until dusk. Eid al-Fitr happens on the first day of Shawwal, which is the tenth month in the Islamic calendar. People celebrate this holiday with different names in various countries.
During Eid al-Fitr, Muslims perform a special prayer called salat. This prayer usually takes place in a large open area or a big hall. It must be done with a group of people. The prayer includes special phrases called Takbirs, where people raise their hands and say "Allāhu ʾAkbar," meaning "God is the greatest." After the prayer, Muslims celebrate in many ways. Food is a big part of the celebration, which is why the holiday is sometimes called "Sweet Eid" or "Sugar Feast."
Contents
History of Eid al-Fitr
Muslim tradition says that Muhammad started the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. These festivals began in Medina after Muhammad moved there from Mecca. A close friend of Muhammad, Anas ibn Malik, shared that when Muhammad arrived in Medina, he saw people celebrating two days with fun activities. Muhammad then said that God had chosen two special days for celebration: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
How Eid al-Fitr is Celebrated
Eid al-Fitr starts when people first see the new crescent moon after Ramadan. This night is sometimes called Chand Raat in places like Bangladesh. If the moon is not seen on the 29th day of the month, the holiday is celebrated the next day. Eid al-Fitr celebrations can last from one to three days, depending on the country. It is not allowed to fast on Eid day. Before the Eid prayer, Muslims give money to those in need. This act of charity is called zakat al-Fitr.
The Eid Prayer
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The Eid prayer is done together in a large open space or a mosque. There is no special call to prayer like for daily prayers. The Eid prayer has two parts, with a certain number of takbirs (special phrases). After the prayer, there is a sermon called a khutbah. This sermon often reminds Muslims about giving charity. Unlike Friday prayers, the Eid sermon happens after the prayer. After the prayers, Muslims visit their family and friends. They also have big celebrations at home or in community centers.
How Sunnis Pray on Eid
When Sunnis go to the Eid prayer, they often say loudly:
Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar. Lā ilāha illà l-Lāh. Allāhu Akbar, Allahu akbar, wa-li-l-Lāh al-ḥamd
This means "God is the greatest. There is no god but God. God is the greatest, and to God belongs all praise." They stop saying this when the prayer begins.
The prayer starts with a special intention. Then, they say "Allahu Akbar" three times, raising their hands. After this, the Imam (prayer leader) reads from the Quran. Everyone then bows and prostrates. This finishes the first part of the prayer.
For the second part, everyone stands up. The Imam reads more from the Quran. Then, they say "Allahu Akbar" three more times before bowing again. The rest of the prayer is completed as usual. After the prayer, the Imam gives a sermon.
How Shias Pray on Eid
Shia Muslims also start their prayer with an intention. They say "Allahu Akbar" five times in the first part of the prayer. With 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 similar steps, saying "Allahu Akbar" five times. After the prayer, the sermon begins.
Celebrating After Prayer
After the Eid prayer, Muslims greet each other by saying Eid Mubarak. This means "Blessed Eid" in Arabic. Since Eid comes after a month of fasting, sweet foods are often made and eaten. People usually decorate their homes. Muslims are also encouraged to forgive each other and ask for forgiveness. In many countries with large Muslim populations, Eid al-Fitr is a public holiday. This means schools and businesses are closed. How people celebrate can be different in various countries.
Eid Celebrations Around the World
West Asia
Arabian Peninsula
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In countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, men often buy new traditional white robes called Thobe. Women wear special clothes and perfumes. Many homes offer fruits, dates, tea, or coffee to visitors. Cities in the UAE are decorated with bright lights.
In Bahrain, families often have a special Eid dinner with rice dishes like quzi. Popular sweets include halwa. Men wear thawbs and women wear abayas, often with henna designs on their hands.
In Saudi Arabia, families gather at the oldest family member's home after Eid prayers. Before the special meal, children line up to receive money gifts from adults.
In Oman, people eat foods like shuwa (slow-cooked lamb) with coffee. In some areas, traditional songs and dances are performed.
In Yemen, Bint al-sahn (a sweet bread) is a favorite Eid snack.
Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon
In Jerusalem, the courtyards of the al-Aqsa Mosque are decorated with toys for children. Many Palestinians visit families of prisoners and graves.
Palestinians and Jordanians decorate their homes and prepare big meals. They buy new clothes and shoes. Families gather at the oldest family member's home after prayers. Children receive money gifts from adults. Jordanians also hang fanous or "Eid lanterns."
In Lebanon, many concerts and art shows happen during Eid al-Fitr. Popular cookies like Ma'amoul and Kahk are eaten.
Iraq
In Iraq, kleicha (a traditional cookie) and lamb are popular foods.
Iraqi Kurds often visit cemeteries to remember loved ones the day before Eid. After prayers, families have large breakfasts with rice, stew, candies, and nuts.
Iran
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In Iran, Eid al-Fitr is called Eid-e-Fitr. Experts check for the new moon to decide the date. Iranian Muslims attend the Eid prayer and give Zakat al-Fitr (charity). The main prayer is led by the Supreme Leader of Iran in Tehran. It is usually a one- or two-day national holiday.
Africa
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. Streets are busy with people celebrating.
Nigeria
Eid is known as Small Sallah in Nigeria. People greet each other by saying "Barka Da Sallah," meaning "Greetings on Sallah" in the Hausa language. Celebrations can last up to three days.
Tunisia
Tunisia celebrates Eid for three days, with two being national holidays. Special sweets and biscuits like Baklava are made or bought. Children receive gifts, usually money or toys. Families also invite friends and relatives for Eid dinner, often followed by singing and dancing.
Somalia
In Somalia, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with big meals. Special dishes like xalwo (halwa) and buskut (biscuits) are served.
Tanzania
Muslims in Tanzania dress in nice clothes and decorate their homes with lights. Special foods are prepared and shared. 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.
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 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. In the north, musicians play Andalusian music.
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 start a few days before. People bake many cookies like ka'ak and bettifour to share with guests. New Eid clothes are bought or sewn. Girls and women decorate their hands and feet with henna. The night before Eid, houses are cleaned and decorated. On Eid day, men and boys attend the prayer. For the next three days, families visit each other. Baked goods, chocolates, and sweets are served, and often big lunches are prepared. Children receive gifts, like toys or money.
Senegal
The holiday is called Korité in Senegal and other parts of West Africa. It is a three-day national holiday. Families often have new clothes made, and gifts are exchanged.
Ivory Coast
In the Ivory Coast, Eid is a big feast for Muslims. The celebration lasts between two and ten days.
Central Asia
Tajikistan
In Tajikistan, the holiday is called Idi Ramazon and is a national holiday.
Kyrgyzstan
In Kyrgyzstan, the day is known as Orozo Ait. People celebrate with parties, food, and singing. Festivals often include horse racing and other horse sports. People wear colorful clothes. Children sing special tunes and receive bread, candy, or money.
Uzbekistan
Ramazon Hayit or Roʻza hayiti is a public holiday in Uzbekistan. Traditional pastries like kush-tili and plov are prepared the day before Eid. Shops sell many candies and children's toys.
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.
South Asia
Afghanistan
In Afghanistan, Eid al-Fitr is very important and celebrated for three days. It includes special fun for children. The common greeting is Akhtar mo Mubarak sha (Happy Eid). Afghans start preparing up to ten days before Eid by cleaning their homes. They buy new clothes, sweets, and snacks like Jalebi and Cake wa Kolcha. Bolani (vegetarian flatbreads) is a popular meal.
On Eid day, Afghans first pray, then gather with families. They say "Eid Mubarak" and wish each other well. Elders give money and gifts to children. People also visit family and friends. Children walk from house to house saying "Khala Eidet Mubarak" ("aunt happy Eid") and receive cookies or Pala. Girls and women apply henna designs on their hands and feet. At night, many campfires are lit, and sometimes celebratory gunfire happens.
India
Eid is a public holiday in India. It begins after the new moon is seen on Chand Raat. On that evening, people go to markets for shopping and prepare food for the next day. Traditional Eid foods include biriyani, sheer khurma, and sivayyan (sweet vermicelli noodles). Women and girls put henna on their hands. The next morning, Muslims go to the mosque for Eid prayer and give charity. Afterwards, children receive Eidi (cash gifts), and friends and relatives visit each other to eat and celebrate.
Pakistan
In Pakistan, Eid al-Fitr is also called 'the Lesser Eid' or 'Sweet Eid'. People give charity to the needy before Eid day or prayer. Families enjoy a special Eid breakfast with sweets like Kheer and sheer khurma. Children especially enjoy Eid because they receive money called "Eidi" from relatives. People often get new currency notes to give as Eidi.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan Muslims enjoy eating watalappam, falooda, samosa, gulab jamun, sheerkurma, and other local dishes.
Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, Eid is celebrated with great excitement. Preparations start in the last part of Ramadan. Markets become very busy. People who work away from home return to their villages to celebrate with family. On Chaand Raat, children gather to see the new moon. A popular Bengali Eid song is played on TV. Children make and exchange Eid cards. Girls decorate their hands with Mehendi.
For breakfast, Shemai (vermicelli) is served with bread. Then people go to the Eid prayer. Children greet elders by touching their feet and receive "Salami" or "Eidi" (money), which is a big part of their Eid happiness. Rich Bengali dishes like Biryani, Polao, Pitha, and Kabab are served. Wealthy Muslims also give charity to the poor. People visit relatives and friends, saying "Eid Mubarak".
Eid fairs are held, often by rivers or under big trees. The tradition of Eid processions dates back to the Mughal era. Bangladesh has very large Eid prayer grounds, like the Gor-E-Shahid Eidgah Maidan. Folk sports competitions are also organized in rural areas.
Nepal
Eid is a national holiday in Nepal. Nepalese Muslims often eat sewai (vermicelli pudding). It is celebrated across the country with prayers, dinners, and social gatherings.
Maldives
Celebrations in the Maldives include cultural performances.
Southeast Asia
Indonesia
Eid is known as Hari Raya Idul Fitri or Lebaran in Indonesia. It is a national holiday. Many people travel back to their hometowns (this 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 morning, charity for the poor is given at mosques. Families gather in traditional clothes and have a special Lebaran meal. Children receive money in colorful envelopes. Muslims also visit graves of relatives and visit living family members in a special ritual called Halal bihalal.
Special Indonesian dishes like ketupat, rendang, and opor ayam are served. Lebaran continues with drumming and street parades.
Malaysia and Singapore
In Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, Eid is called Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Hari Raya Puasa. Hari Raya means 'Great Day'.
People working in cities often return to their hometowns to celebrate with family and ask for forgiveness from elders. This is known as balik kampung (homecoming).
The night before Hari Raya, mosques are filled with sounds of takbir. In many rural areas, oil lamps are lit around 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). They also say "maaf zahir dan batin," meaning "Forgive my physical and emotional wrongdoings."
Muslim-Malaysians wear traditional clothes on Hari Raya. Men wear the Baju Melayu with a sarong and a songkok (headwear). Women wear Baju Kurung or baju kebaya.
In Malaysia, especially in cities, people have "open houses" where they welcome neighbors, family, and visitors. Non-Muslims are also welcome. People celebrate by lighting traditional bamboo cannons or fireworks. Children receive token sums of money called "duit raya" from adults.
Brunei
In Brunei, a special decorated cake called kepala meja is made for guests. Special dishes unique to Brunei, like kelupis with prawn or tahai sambal, are served.
Thailand
There are almost 3 million Muslims in Thailand. In the southernmost provinces, wearing gold on Eid is popular. Some Muslim homes open their doors to visitors with special foods.
Cambodia and Vietnam
The Chams are the main Muslim group in Cambodia and Vietnam. Eid is known as "Roya Haji" among them.
Muslims of Cambodia often share food with friends and neighbors. Men, women, and children dress in fine clothes, often white, to show purity. It is customary to donate 3 kilograms of rice to the poor.
Eid is also celebrated by the smaller Muslim community in Vietnam, mostly Cham people.
Laos
Eid al-Fitr in Laos is celebrated by the small Muslim community. In cities like Vientiane, Muslims gather for Eid prayers, followed by shared meals and charity. Traditional spiced rice dishes and grilled meats are enjoyed.
Myanmar
In Myanmar, young Muslim people form singing teams called Jago during Ramadan. They sing popular songs with new Burmese lyrics about fasting and Islam.
Philippines
Among Muslim Filipinos in the Philippines, Eid al-Fitr is called Hariraya or Hariraya Buka Puasa. It is also known as Wakas ng Ramadan (End of Ramadan). It became a legal holiday for Muslim Filipinos in 1977 and a public national holiday in 2002.
The start of Eid is decided by seeing the crescent moon. This is traditionally marked by beating drums in some areas. Today, some people make noise with motorcycles or car horns, though this is discouraged.
Hariraya involves giving gifts (Eid), sharing food (salu-salo), and visiting elders and the sick. Food and charity are also given to the poor, called Fitrana or Zakat al-Fitr. Various traditional sweet treats are served for breakfast. Activities include dancing, boat races, and horse races. In Metro Manila, celebrations are held at the Manila Golden Mosque. The celebration lasts for three days.
East Asia
China mainland
In mainland China, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by at least 10 Muslim ethnic groups. It is a public holiday in regions like Ningxia and Xinjiang. All residents in these areas get a one- or three-day holiday. Outside these regions, only Muslims get a one-day holiday. In Xinjiang, even Han Chinese people celebrate Eid. During the holiday, meat like mutton and beef is given to families as part of a welfare program. In Yunnan, Muslims may visit the grave of Sayyid 'Ajjal 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 the media. Special reports are often in newspapers and on TV. This helps boost Islamic activities in Taiwan. Muslims, mostly Indonesian workers, usually gather at Taipei Main Station for the prayer.
Europe
Turkey
In Turkey, national holidays are called bayram. Eid al-Fitr is known as Ramazan Bayramı ("Ramadan Bayram") and Şeker Bayramı ("Bayram of Sweets/Sugar"). It's a time for prayer, wearing new clothes, visiting loved ones, and honoring the deceased at cemeteries. Children go door-to-door wishing "Happy Bayram" and receive candy, chocolates, traditional sweets like baklava, or a small amount of money.
Mosques and public fountains are lit up. Events like Sufi music concerts and shadow puppet shows are held at night.
In the past, during the Ottoman era, Ramadan was full of entertainment. Streets had musicians and magicians. At iftar (breaking the fast), fasil music was played. Mahya lights, which are lamps forming sentences or images between minarets, lit up the night.
During Ramadan, drummers wake people up before dawn for the meal before fasting begins. Turkish people invite older relatives, then other relatives, and close neighbors to break the fast together.
Albania
Albanian Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, known as Fitër Bajrami or Bajrami i Madh. Worshipers attend a dawn prayer and sermon. Afterwards, people visit each other, plan gatherings, and give gifts to children. Magiritsa (Greek Easter soup) and baklava are popular foods.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Eid al-Fitr is called Ramazanski bajram. It is a three-day public holiday. Like in Albania, people attend a dawn prayer, visit each other, give gifts to children, and enjoy baklava.
Greece
Eid al-Fitr (Seker Bayram, Sugar Feast) is celebrated in Greece mainly by the local Muslim minority in Western Thrace. On Bayram day, families gather, wear their best clothes, and have a common meal after morning prayer. Women prepare sweets for visitors. Children visit elders, kiss their hands, and receive candies, sweets, and small amounts of money. Muslim shops and schools close for the holiday.
Russia
In Russia, Eid al-Fitr is often called Uraza Bayram. It is a public holiday in several republics like Tatarstan and Chechnya. Most festive dishes include mutton, salads, and soups. Traditional dishes vary by region; for example, pancakes are popular in Tatarstan.
Russian Muslims go to mosques for festive prayers. Afterwards, they visit older relatives to show respect. In some regions, children go to houses with a bag to collect candy. In Dagestan, eggs with bright stickers are a popular dish. People dress up, with women wearing bright dresses and older people wearing papakhas. Master classes for activities like embroidery are also held.
Ukraine
In Ukraine, Eid al-Fitr has been an official state holiday since 2020. During the festival, Ukrainian Muslims (many of whom are Crimean Tatars) 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 time off for religious celebrations.
In the UK, people pray and play games for Eid al-Fitr. Blackburn Rovers F.C. even held an Eid prayer on their football pitch in 2022.
Americas
United States
In New York City, street cleaning rules are paused on Eid. Since 2016, New York City public schools also close on Eid. Other school districts, like Irvington, New Jersey, and Burlington, Vermont, also close for the holiday.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has released several Eid postage stamps since 2001. These stamps honor Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. They feature the artwork of Mohamed Zakariya.
Mosques in North America offer Eid prayers. During the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, some mosques had temperature checks and social distancing. Others gathered in public parks. By 2021, many Muslims returned to mosques for the holiday.
Trinidad and Tobago
The Muslim population of Trinidad and Tobago often eats sawine (vermicelli), a sweet dessert, for Eid. The feast also includes curries, rotis, and chicken and goat curries. Eid al-Fitr has been a public holiday in Trinidad and Tobago since 1962.
Suriname, Guyana
Eid al-Fitr is a public holiday in Suriname and Guyana.
Argentina
In Argentina, Eid is officially a non-working holiday for Muslims.
Oceania
Australia
Australian Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr in different ways based on their cultural backgrounds. Many local celebrations happen in community centers and mosques.
Eid al-Fitr in the Gregorian Calendar
The date of Eid al-Fitr is always the same in the Islamic calendar. However, in the Gregorian calendar, it moves about 11 days earlier each year. This is because the Islamic calendar is based on the moon, and the Gregorian calendar is based on the sun. So, if Eid falls in the first ten days of a Gregorian year, it might happen a second time in the last ten days of the same year. This happened in the year 2000. The exact Gregorian date can also change between countries. This depends on when the new moon is seen locally.
The table below shows recent dates of Eid al-Fitr in Saudi Arabia.
| Islamic year | Umm al-Qura predicted | High Judiciary Council of Saudi Arabia announced |
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| 1420 | 8 January 2000 | 8 January 2000 |
| 1421 | 27 December 2000 | 27 December 2000 |
| 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 | 21 April 2023 |
| 1445 | 10 April 2024 | 10 April 2024 |
| 1446 | 30 March 2025 | 30 March 2025 |
| 1447 | 20 March 2026 | |
| 1448 | 9 March 2027 | |
| 1449 | 26 February 2028 | |
| 1450 | 14 February 2029 | |
| 1451 | 3 February 2030 |
Because the Islamic year is shorter than the Gregorian year, Eid al-Fitr can sometimes happen twice in one Gregorian year. The next time this will happen is in 2033.
Images for kids
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Eid al Fitr prayer, Torkaman, Iran 2017
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Eid al-Fitr mass prayer at Delhi's Jama Masjid, India
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British Muslims performing the Eid prayers at East London Mosque during the celebration, 1941
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British Muslim soldiers and merchant seamen from various countries performing the Eid prayers at the East London Mosque in 1941
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Muslims in Singapore celebrating Eid al-Fitr
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An Indonesian family celebrating lebaran with various culinary dishes specific to this holiday
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Family celebrating eid, Tajikistan
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Lit up Commercial Street in Bangalore, India during Eid al-Fitr
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Eid al-Fitr mass prayer in Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta, Indonesia
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See also
In Spanish: Aíd al-Fitr para niños
- Eid al-Ghadir
- Shab-e-Barat
- Quds Day
