Stage set to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr
'Let's celebrate the occasion understanding its essence'
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, August 08, 2013: Eid-ul-Fitr, popularly known as Eid, a festival observed by the Muslim community at the end of month-long fasting of Ramzan, is also set to be observed in the State with grandeur tomorrow.

The people of the State particularly the Muslim brethrens were seen in large number at Imphal Bazaar to buy new clothes and sweets to celebrate this biggest festival of the Muslims in their own respective homes.

Eid-ul-Fitr literally means 'festival of breaking the fast'.

Like other festivals observed by the Muslim community, this festival symbolizes faith.

The festival is celebrated based on Islamic belief by following certain social practices.

Eid is celebrated on the first date of Shawwal, that is, the tenth month in the Hijra calendar.

During the festival, Muslims exchange gifts and greeting with their neighbours as a mark of solidarity and brotherhood.

Speaking to Hueiyen Lanpao in this regard, Pesh Imam of Jama Masjid, Imphal stated that we all should celebrate this festival knowing the inner meaning it symbolizes or else the religious essence of the festival and the social connotation it carries will all be swept away.

He further informed that we will not be able to reach our desired destination and achieve our goal if the festival is celebrated without understanding the essence of it.

As such, all the religious communities settling in the society should come together as one and celebrate the festival.

He also expressed hope that with the coming of the festival, love and oneness among the various communities settling in the State would be brought about thereby bringing peace and development in the society.

Muslims, just before the celebrations of Eid-ul-Fitr, keep a month-long fast throughout the month of Ramzan.

The practice of fasting is also known as 'roza' that starts from the break of dawn till dusk and during the whole day an individual has to refrain himself/herself from drinking, eating or having sexual intercourse.

The term 'roza' is an Arabic word meaning abstinence.

Ramzan, the month of fasting, symbolizes a lot of practices and beliefs of the community.

It is not merely restraining oneself from having food but also to abstain from all kinds of evil and unlawful practices in Islam.

Maulana Hashid Ahmad, Imam of Babupara Jama Masjid, also stated that irrespective of being rich or poor, people following Islam observes "roza" throughout the month of Ramzan to achieve their desired goals.

Many Muslims believe that fasting remind a sense of responsibility within themselves.

The month-long fast ends with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr that symbolizes a reward for their fasting.

He further pointed out that the "roza" observed this year witnessed the longest day and shortest night ever.

Observing "roza" is not an easy task.

On the day of Eid, Muslims wear their best clothes and offer 'namaz' at masjids or mosques.

After offering their prayers, they exchange good wishes of the festival with their neighbours and other people.

They also donate alms to the poor on the auspicious occasion.

The celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr perks up the spirit inherent in all the festivity.

The significance of this festival is also interpreted as a good time to bring people together in harmony and gratitude.

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