Table of Contents
Eid is observed with happiness and unique Eid traditions all over the globe, uniting families and communities. Every nation adds its cultural flavor from Saudi Arabia’s grand dinners to Turkey’s Festival of Sweets and Nigeria’s colorful Durbar Festival. This article takes a look at the most festive Eid traditions all over the globe, emphasizing unity, generosity, and celebration.
How Eid Traditions Around the World
Eid is one of the most joyous and celebrated festivals in Islam across the globe. Whether Eid al-Fitr, celebrating the culmination of Ramadan, or Eid al-Adha, honouring the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), the essence of unity, charity, and celebration remains intact. Yet, each country has its peculiar method of celebrating Eid, combining Islamic customs with local practices. Let’s see how Eid is celebrated around the globe!
1. Saudi Arabia: A Spiritual Celebration
As the cradle of Islam, Saudi Arabia celebrates Eid on a majestic scale. Special prayers at the mosques, including the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, are the day’s start. Gifting each other, sharing feast food such as Kabsa and dates, and performing good deeds, a central activity to the festival, are done by families.
2. Pakistan: A Festive Affair with Sweet Treats
In Pakistan, preparations for Eid begin days ahead of time with shopping and decorating homes. Women get intricate henna designs on their hands, and new attire is donned on Eid day. Sheer Khurma (sweet vermicelli dessert) is a compulsory dish. The practice of Eidi (giving money to kids) makes the festival even more special.
3. Turkey: Bayram Eid traditions with a Cultural Touch
In Turkey, Eid is called Ramazan Bayramı (Ramadan Feast) or Şeker Bayramı (Candy Feast). Turkish relatives visit one another, share candies, and enjoy such special dishes as baklava and Turkish delight. Kissing the hands of elders in sign of respect is an old practice.
4. Egypt: Street Festivities and Grand Feasts
Eid in Egypt is filled with vibrant street festivities, worship, and succulent food. People come together in their households to relish dishes such as Fattah (a dish made of rice and meat) and Kahk (nut- or date-stuffed buttery cookies). Families also throng the parks and amusement centers as they take fullest advantage of the festive season.
5. Indonesia: Homecoming and Fireworks
Indonesia, with the largest population of Muslims in the world, observes Eid as Lebaran. A very special tradition called “Mudik” witnesses millions returning to their hometowns to spend Eid with their family. The roads are lit with lights, and dazzling fireworks illuminate the sky. Special foods such as Ketupat (palm leaf wrapped rice dumplings) are devoured by people everywhere.
6. Nigeria: Durbar Festival and Colorful Parades
Eid in Nigeria is not only prayers and feasting; it also has the Durbar Festival in the northern part of the country. This is a big procession with traditional horse-riding show, music, and dance. The family cooks foods such as Jollof Rice and Suya (spiced grilling of meat).
7. Malaysia: Open House Tradition
In Malaysia, Eid is referred to as Hari Raya Aidilfitri and is celebrated with the special “Open House” tradition. Families open their homes to friends and even strangers for meals. Traditional Ketupat, Rendang (spicy meat stew), and Kuih (sweet desserts) are shared by everyone.
The Common Spirit of Eid
In spite of the cultural variations, Eid festivals all around the globe have similar themes of prayer, charity, reunion with loved ones, and feasting. Be it the grand festivities of Pakistan, the Durbar Festival of Nigeria, or the homecoming ritual of Indonesia, the festival of Eid brings millions together across the globe.
How Do You Celebrate Eid?
Every nation contributes its own cultural flavor to Eid, and it becomes a festival that is truly international. What are some special traditions in your nation? Let us know in the comments below!
Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating!
