As Ramadan comes to a close, Muslims all around the world start to prepare for a beloved celebration: Hari Raya Eid al-Fitr. Also known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Eidulfitri, or simply Eid, it is one of the most significant festivals for Muslims as it marks the end of the fasting month, and is commonly celebrated during the first few days of Syawal. Eid al-Fitr is not only a religious occasion but also a time for family reunions, communal celebrations, and acts of charity.
Typically, Eid is celebrated through the common practises of going to the mosque for Eid prayers and visiting relatives to feast on this blessed occasion. However, each country still has its own traditions that are unique to its region or culture. This article explores the celebration of Eid in five distinct regions: Malaysia and Singapore, Turkey, China, and the United Kingdom, shedding light on how different regions all celebrate Eid with their own food and customs, adding to the beauty of the celebration.
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In Turkey, Eid is also known as Ramazan Bayramı (Ramadan Feast) spans across three days, and is celebrated as a national public holiday. The feast is aptly named as meals are typically shared with large gatherings of extended family and friends, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. A favorite dish during Eid is kuzu tandır (roasted lamb), which is often served during family feasts. Börek (a savory pastry filled with cheese, meat, or spinach) is another popular dish.
On top of this, the Turks have a special bonus that they call Şeker Bayramı, or the Sugar Feast. The Sugar Feast gets its name as children will be allowed to go around the neighbourhood to wish people a happy bayram. In return, they’ll receive sweet treats such as baklava or Turkish delights, much like other cultures do for Christmas or Halloween!
While the children get to have a lot of fun, the feast also emphasises the importance of loving and respecting your elders, hence why many of the younger people visit their older relatives to celebrate Eid together. On other days, families make time to visit the graves of their loved ones and pay their respects. Throughout the festive mood in the country, the locals still remember to place utmost importance on family and respecting them. With the social gatherings and Sugar Feast, it manages to leave a lasting impression on how valuable it is to maintain strong bonds within a community.
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Malaysia and Singapore are countries very close to one another, and both have a large percentage of Malays living in the country, leading to them having very similar cultural practices when celebrating Eid. On this day, many families dress up in colour-coordinated baju kurung, traditional Malay clothing which can include anything from a kain samping (for the men) to a kebaya (for the women).
Additionally, food plays an essential role in the Eid celebrations. Traditional dishes like ketupat (compressed rice cakes), rendang, and ayam masak merah (chicken in spicy tomato paste) are enjoyed, often served alongside local delicacies like kuih lapis.
They also have a custom of seeking repentance from their parents; the children will line up from eldest to youngest in front of their parents and ask for forgiveness. This act normally kickstarts the act of visiting families over the next few days. Younger children also look forward to duit raya (raya money) where older people tend to give them packets of money after visiting the different houses.
Similar to Turkey, these practices reinforce the importance of family. Most of the cultural practices remind us to be respectful towards our elders, but also stresses the importance of keeping everyone connected. It is not only a time of celebration but also one of reflection, as people come together to share their blessings and express their gratitude.
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In China, the celebration of Hari Raya Eid al-Fitr is more localized, primarily among the Hui and Uighur Muslim communities. The Uighurs, an ethnic Muslim group from the Xinjiang region, have their own distinct customs for celebrating Eid.
The day starts with Eid prayers held at mosques, after which families come together to celebrate. In Uighur communities, the day is filled with music, dancing, and traditional foods, including dishes like pilaf (rice with lamb) and steamed dumplings. The holiday is a joyous occasion, and it’s customary to exchange gifts and sweets, especially with neighbors and family members.
For the Hui Muslims, who are spread out across the country, including in cities like Xi’an and Ningxia, the celebrations are more intimate. They observe similar practices such as visiting family, praying, and preparing festive meals.
Though Islam is practiced in various parts of China, the government’s policies sometimes limit the extent of public celebrations. However in some areas, local government authorities also organize special events to allow the Muslim community to mark the occasion publicly, with cultural performances and market stalls offering Eid-related goods.
Whichever the case, many Muslims in China continue to celebrate Eid within their communities, often organizing events and gathering at mosques for prayers and meals.
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Surprisingly, Eid is not considered a bank holiday in the United Kingdom- meaning that it’s not defined by statute. However, most employers allow Muslims to spend the day off to celebrate with their family. In the larger cities, such as London, Birmingham, and Manchester, Muslims can be seen in their best clothing, visiting relatives and attending Eid prayers.
One of the significant features of Eid in the UK is the giving of Zakat al-Fitr, a charitable donation made before the Eid prayer. This donation is given to help those in need, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can join in the celebrations. The community spirit is palpable, with mosques often organizing charity events, distributing food to the homeless, and collecting donations.
In urban centers, public events are held to celebrate Eid, with music, food stalls, and cultural performances. The sense of togetherness and community is strong, and it is common for Muslims to open their homes and hearts to friends and neighbors, regardless of their faith. The sense of unity is especially strong on Eid as everyone tries to make the extra effort to be more generous and welcoming, and are merely happy to spread their own love and joy for Eid.
Even with the cultural differences, all these different celebrations of Eid are a global celebration that showcases the unity, joy, and spiritual reflection of the Muslim community. Across the world, Muslims make the effort to attend the Eid prayers at the mosque and to bond with their families over a delicious spread of food.
While the core elements of prayer, family gatherings, and feasting remain consistent across different countries, the ways in which this joyous occasion is celebrated can vary. Be it through food, music, or community events, the essence of Eid- bringing people together through forgiveness, and celebration- is universal. In every corner of the world, Eid remains as a time of joy shared with people all over the world.
If you’re curious to learn more about how different cultures celebrate Eid, you can read our article on Hari Raya Eid al-fitri snacks from all over the world!
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