Eid Ul - Fitr (bringing the Fast to An End) & Eid Al - Adha (festival Of Sacrifice)

Eid is Arabic term which means festival. The festival can be of any religion but usually this word is associated with two festivals of Islam that are Eid ul-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The first one is celebrated in the first 3 days of 10th Calendar month of Islam (Shawwal) and second one is in the mid of last calendar month (Dhu al-Hijjah). Muslim observes fasting during their entire 9th calendar month i.e. Ramadan. The first day of the next month which is celebrated for completing the month of fast (Ramadan) is also known as Eid ul-Fitr which means “Bringing the fast to an end”. They begin the day by offering salah consisting of 2 units and are generally offered in a large gathering. Early in the morning everyone is found having new outfits normally Shalwar Kamiz, spraying Ittar, having cap, chewing dates and marching towards the Prayers area. After the prayers, they wish each other and the celebrations begin. Cellular networks became jammed due to immense texting of Eid Mubarak SMS Messages and calls of the same. Everyone visits their relatives where they are traditionally served with Sheer khurma, a famous breakfast dish on this day. Youngsters kiss the hands of their elders as a sign of respect and receiving kind wishes. Gifts are exchanged everywhere and children commonly receive sums of money (Eidi) from elders. Eid al-Adha is observed annually from 11th of 12th calendar month till sunset of 13th of the same month. The word in its literal sense means “Festival of Sacrifice”. The event has its immense significance as it is practiced worldwide to honor & remember the enthusiasm of Abraham (Ibrahim) (Pease be upon him) to give up his son Ishmael (Isma'il) (Peace be upon him) as an act of obedience to ALLAH, before ALLAH intervened to make available to him a sheep, to sacrifice instead. As in Eid ul-Fitr, the day begins with everyone dressing with their best available outfits offering salah consisting of same numbers of units, as in the other Eid, in a large & wide open field called Eidgah. Those Muslims who are financially sound and can afford, sacrifice animals (normally cow but can be goat, camel, sheep or a ram). Every year more than hundred million slaughtering of animals take place at this event. Even in Pakistan it accounts for more than 11 million having worth of around $ 3.2 billion.