Eid-ul-Fitr Celebrations Across India

The holy month of Ramadan is coming to an end and Eid-ul-Fitr is just around the corner. It is a time for togetherness and gift giving for friends and relatives. It is also a time to feast and devour delicious sevaiyaan and biryani. Beyond all this, Ramadan is the time to pray for and celebrate the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and remember his great sacrifice.

Eid is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm in India. Let us a take a look at best places to participate in Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations across the country.

Taj Mahal, Agra 

The huge premise of the historic Taj Mahal invites thousands of Muslims every year. Agra is more than well known for its glittering Mughal history that gave this city much of its identity. The grand Taj Mahal stands majestically in the background as thousands of Muslims gather in front of the red sandstone mosque to pray on Eid-ul-Fitr morning. Entry to Taj Mahal is free for all on this day and it is an amazing opportunity to witness the Islamic culture in all its splendour. After the prayers, the devotees hug each other, exchange pleasantries and walk away hand in hand. The Taj Ganj area is transformed in to a glittering fair in the evening. Children and adults dressed in their best meet and greet each other over sweets, shopping and merry making.

Hazratbal, Srinagar

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Thousands of people join Eid prayers at Hazratbal, housing the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad, on the banks of Dal Lake. There couldn't be a more peaceful setting to offer prayers for oneself and humanity. The alabaster shrine shines in the bright sun framed by the snow clad hills and the blue Dal Lake. The town of Srinagar wears a festive look. The usually deserted streets are filled with people shopping for the final day of the Ramadan month. It is a heart-warming sight, full of hustle bustle and yet with a feeling of absolute calm and universal peace.

Jama Masjid, Old Delhi

Jama Masjid is usually the first to offer namaz to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. This 350-year old heritage site becomes the capital’s centrepiece during this time of the year. The mosque is packed with devotees and those who cannot find place inside the mosque, settle down on the stairs and the street outside. The walled city experiences a flurry of activity. Chandni Chowk is filled to capacity with a vibrant crowd out to celebrate the occasion in their best attire. Traditional bakeries and confectioneries do roaring business. The entire old city is transformed by the gaiety in the air!

Machkhowa Eidgah, Guwahati

Nearly 10,000 people gather at the Eidgah to offer their prayers of peace, harmony and universal brotherhood. Every year in Assam, devotees, tourists and onlookers turn out in large numbers to participate in the prayers and festivities.

Chaar Minar, Hyderabad

The historic Chaar Minaar monument is the centre of activity during the holy month of Ramadan and its culmination on the day of Id-ul-Fitr. Prayers are offered in all corners of the city including Madannapet, Mir Alam Tank, Secunderabad, Masab Tank and Golconda Eidgahs. The Chaar Minaar becomes the hub of activity after prayers. Men, women and children dressed in their finest clothes gather at the market place to exchange greetings and share bowls of sheer korma. The day before Eid witnesses fervent shopping in the area.

Haji Ali, Mumbai

The tomb of Saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari stands sentinel on the shores of the Arabian Sea, guarding the glittering city of Mumbai. It is one of those holy places where people regardless of their faith come to pay their respects. Haji Ali is situated nearly a kilometre off the coast of Mumbai sitting on high rocks surrounded by the sea. The average footfall at this mausoleum is between 10,000 and 15,000 on a regular day. On the holy occasion of Eid, Haji Ali is swarmed by a sea of people, each with a wish in their hearts to pay their respects to the saint Pir and pray at the mosque. Haji Ali has a well-earned reputation of being one of the most powerful places of worship in India. They say you never return without a blessing.

Eid-ul-Fitr is an occasion for everyone to rededicate themselves to the lofty ideals of Islam like love, compassion, humanity and social service. And in case you are looking for some interesting Eid gifting ideas, check our Eid Gift Card here!