Wishing you all EID MUBARAK!

Eid al-Fitr, or Feast of Breaking the Fast, is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The religious Eid is a single day during which Muslims are not permitted to fast. The holiday celebrates the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan.

Eid al-Fitr is celebrated ceremoniously with great enthusiasm in Saudi Arabia. Like other festivals observed by the Muslim community, this festival symbolizes faith. The celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr not only has religious essence but also carries a social connotation. Saudis decorate their homes and prepare extravagant meals for family and friends and in the major cities in Saudi Arabia, every night there are huge fireworks shows.

Eid festivities in Saudi Arabia may vary culturally depending on the region, but one common thread in all celebrations is of generosity and hospitality and serves as a good occassion to bring people together in harmony and gratitude. First, it is common Saudi tradition for families to gather at the patriarchal home after the Eid prayers. Before the special Eid meal is served, young children will line up in front of adult family members who dispense riyals (Saudi currency) to the children. Family members will also typically reserve a time to pass out gift bags to the children. These bags are often beautifully decorated and contain candies and toys.

It is also traditional in some areas for Saudi men to go and buy large quantities of rice and other staples and leave them anonymously at the doors of those who are less fortunate. Also, in some areas in the middle of Saudi Arabia, it’s a common tradition that during Eid morning and after the Eid prayer, people will put large rugs on one of streets of their neighborhood and each household will prepare a large meal where these meals will be shared by all neighbors.