The Shawwal moon has been sighted in Ponnani, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramzan. As per trusted sources, Eid-ul-Fitr in Kerala will be observed on Wednesday, along with all the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. However, except for Kerala and Ladakh, Eid will be celebrated on Thursday in the rest of the country.
Eid al-Fitr in Kerala: Festive Celebrations Mark the End of Ramadan
Eid al-Fitr, the joyous festival marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is celebrated with great fervor in Kerala, India. The sighting of the Shawwal moon signals the commencement of festivities, which typically fall in May or June.
This year, the Shawwal moon was sighted in Ponnani on Tuesday, April 21, 2023, and Eid al-Fitr will be observed on Wednesday, April 22, 2023, in Kerala. This coincides with the celebration of Eid in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, while it will be celebrated on Thursday, April 23, in the rest of India, except for Kerala and Ladakh.
Background of Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr, also known as the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," marks the culmination of the month-long Ramadan fast. During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from food and water from dawn to dusk, and engage in increased worship and spiritual reflection.
Eid al-Fitr is a day of celebration and feasting, where Muslims gather with family and friends to enjoy traditional delicacies, exchange gifts, and offer prayers. It is also a time for charity and forgiveness, with special emphasis on helping the poor and needy.
Celebrations in Kerala
In Kerala, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with great enthusiasm and traditional fervor. Muslims don their finest attire and visit mosques for special prayers. The day is marked by communal meals, family gatherings, and the exchange of sweets and gifts.
One of the key highlights of Eid in Kerala is the "Sadhya," a sumptuous vegetarian feast typically served on banana leaves. It features a variety of dishes, including rice, avial (vegetable stew), thoran (stir-fried vegetables), pickle, and payasam (sweet pudding).
Top 5 FAQs on Eid al-Fitr in Kerala
1. When is Eid al-Fitr celebrated in Kerala this year? Answer: Wednesday, April 22, 2023
2. What is the significance of the Shawwal moon sighting? Answer: It marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid celebrations.
3. Apart from Kerala, where else will Eid be celebrated on Wednesday? Answer: In all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
4. What are some traditional Eid dishes enjoyed in Kerala? Answer: Biryani, Sadhya (vegetarian feast), and payasam (sweet pudding).
5. How do Muslims typically celebrate Eid al-Fitr in Kerala? Answer: With prayers, festive meals, family gatherings, and acts of charity.
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