- Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. This year, some festivities began March 29, as the start of the holiday depends on moon sightings.
- Traditions vary by country, with celebrations including prayers, family gatherings, and the exchange of gifts like “eidiya” in Egypt and green packets in Malaysia.
- This Eid marks the second in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas war began and the first in Syria since the ouster of former President Bashar Assad.
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Muslims around the world are celebrating Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The holiday, which spans the first three days of Shawwāl, is expected to begin the weekend of March 29. Observance of the holiday varies by country, as it follows the lunar calendar and begins when the crescent moon is sighted.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. The exact timing of Eid depends on local moon sightings.
Celebrations vary depending on location
In New York City, thousands of Muslims gathered in Times Square to celebrate the occasion. In Malaysia, Eid begins with a morning prayer at the mosque, followed by seeking forgiveness from family and friends and visiting the graves of loved ones. The holiday is also marked by an “open house” tradition, with families and friends visiting each other to share traditional foods such as ketupat and rendang. Older Muslims give money in green packets to children and visitors.
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In Egypt, families attend Eid prayers in a festive atmosphere, visit relatives, and often travel to vacation destinations. Children, dressed in new clothes, receive “eidiya,” or traditional cash gifts.
This will be Gaza’s second Eid al-Fitr since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, which recently saw a wave of Israeli strikes following the end of a ceasefire. In Syria, the country is celebrating its first Ramadan since the ouster of former president Bashar Assad.
