Eid-ul-Fitr: History, Date & Significance

Eid-ul-Fitr was established by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) after the migration to Medina in 622 CE, as one of the two festivals ordained for Muslims. It marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting, and falls on the 1st of Shawwal in the Hijri calendar. Before the Eid prayer every Muslim who can afford it gives Zakat-ul-Fitr, a fixed charity meant to let the poorest celebrate as well.

Eid has been celebrated in Bengal since Islam arrived in the region, and during the twentieth century it grew into the country's biggest festival. In Bangladesh the date is confirmed by the National Moon Sighting Committee. The announcement comes on chand raat, the night the new moon is sighted, and the whole country goes into festive mood. Millions of people leave Dhaka and the other cities for their home villages, and for a few days the capital is nearly empty.