While the West culturally follows the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic calendar is lunar.
This means it is based on the sighting of the crescent moon. Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and recite the Holy Quran and offers prayers to Allah.
Countries across the world are thus preparing for the celebration of Eid-Al-Fitr 2024:
Qatar
Qatar, in association with Qatar Tourism, is preparing for Eid-Al-Fitr with an array of concerts and musicals, from local and international musicians to Disney blockbuster orchestral musicals.
There are also special Eidya packages that invite their GCC neighbors to visit Qatar and celebrate the Eid festivities with delightful Qatari people.
UAE (Dubai)
Dubai, the Emirati jewel famous for its glitz and glamour, is dusting itself off to prepare for a spectacle during Eid celebrations.
A host of events created by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) are all set to wow the world. The festivities started on 23 March and will continue till 21 April 2024.
These events dress up the city by interweaving the cultural experiences with festive citywide lighting, special Ramadan markets, and attractive discounts on retail products.
Special firework display at the beach, live food stations and live entertainment for Iftar and Suhoor, Iftar Cannon firing off by the Dubai Police, Expo City Dubai’s charity initiative are just some of the many ways Dubai is celebrating Eid-Al-Fitr.
Bahrain
A plethora of events are lined up for Eid-Al-Fitr in Bahrain from 9 April to 3 May 2024.
These include theatrical comedies that mirror life’s diverse shades, light shows and live musical performances that echo the myriad hues of life, and a spectacular color show. Each event offers a unique experience, ensuring there’s something for everyone to relish during Eid in Bahrain.
Saudi Arabia
Riyadh and Jeddah are also assembling to add some spark to the crown of Eid al-Fitr celebrations. According to the Eid-Al-Fitr 2024 booklet recently released by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), there will be fireworks shows, concerts, and theatrical performances all over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to celebrate the joyous event.
GEA’s theme for this year’s Eid-Al-Fitr is “Your Eid Is among Your Family and Loved Ones” meant to reflect GEA’s efforts to foster communication and spread happiness among Saudi residents and visitors.
Morocco
Astronomical calculations expect Eid-Al-Fitr 2024 to fall on April 10, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan in Morocco.
Like all religious events and celebrations, Eid-Al-Fitr brings a unique culture treasuring familial bonds all across the country.
The celebrations start with Eid prayers on the morning of the feast, featuring Moroccans adorned with beautiful traditional garments including the jellaba, gandoura, and jabadour.
Following prayers, Moroccans gather around a breakfast table with varied food and Moroccan pastries.
Eid is also marked by family visits, with children being gifted cash from their close relatives.
Children also wear new clothes specifically for Eid festivities. They usually go out to the street nearby to play with their friends and show off their festive attire.
Qatar
Qatar is set to celebrate this year’s Eid-Al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, which is expected to fall on Wednesday, April 10, according to astronomical predictions.
The Qatar Calendar House’s astronomical projections indicate that April 10 is likely to be the first day of the month of Shawwal and thus the start of Eid-Al-Fitr celebrations for the year.
Since it’s still early to observe the crescent signaling the end of the month of Ramadan, Qatar has yet to announce the official date of Eid-Al-Fitr.
As the month of Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims worldwide eagerly await the arrival of Eid, marking the continuation of festivities following the holy month.
Muslims start their Eid celebrations with the Eid prayer held in the early morning, encouraging congregational prayers for men, women, and children alike.
UAE
United Arab Emirates is likely to engage in Eid-Al-Fitr 2024 celebrations on April 10.
The significance of Eid-Al-Fitr, also known as the ‘Holiday of Breaking the Fast’, extends beyond its religious connotations.
UK
Eid celebrations in the UK differ somewhat from those in predominantly Muslim countries. Since the UK is home to Muslims from all around the world, Eid traditions may vary from one community or family to the next.
Muslims in the UK usually start the day by performing ghusl, a full-body purification ritual. They then dress in their best clothes and attend a prayer service at an outdoor prayer ground or the local mosque. Later in the day, people usually meet with family and friends for a festive meal.
USA
Shawaal, the tenth month in the Islamic calendar marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast every day from dawn to sunset. Muslims in the United States are expected to celebrate Eid-Al-Fitr on April 10 this year, according to the Fiqh Council of North America.
While Eid-Al-Fitr is not officially recognized as a holiday in the US, Muslim communities still come together to celebrate the event by gathering together to share meals, exchange gifts, and engage in prayers.
As Ramadan 2024 wraps up, Muslims are gearing to spot the Shawwal crescent moon which will mark the date of Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 and the start of a new month in the Islamic lunar calendar.
Tags: Eid-Al-Fitr 2024, Ramadan, Islamic calendar, lunar
