Eid Ul Fitar or the festival of fast
breaking is the biggest Muslim festival. Eid is derived from the Arabic
word ‘oud’ or ‘the return’ to signify, well, the
return of Eid each year. The festival is significant as much for its
timing as for its religious implications. It is celebrated after the
fasting month of Ramzan (the ninth month of the Muslim year), on the
first day of the Shavval month of the Hijri year (Muslim year). It is
believed that the Koran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed in the month of
Ramzan.
105 million Muslims make India the second most populous Islamic nation
in the world. They form India’s largest minority and constitute
almost 12% of India’s total population. Islam is also the most
recent religion added to India’s already potent cultural
concoction. Islam came to India in the 12th century a.d. and opened a
dialogue with Indian culture especially under the Mughals. Needless to
say, it was a mutually enriching experience. A majority of India’s
Muslims live in the north but a significant number are found all around
the country. Hence their traditions add yet another dimension to the
vast cultural landscape of India.
