Five unique Eid Al Fitr celebrations across the world
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and fasting for Muslims around the world. It is commonly observed by attending morning prayers and gathering with family members for feasts and gifts. However, this important day is honoured in different ways by the one and a half billion Muslims around the world. We name five unique Eid Al Fitr celebrations that commemorate the diversity of Islam.
1. Afghanistan: whose egg is the strongest?
Afghanis, like many other Muslims around the world, attend prayers, clean homes and prepare sweets to welcome Eid. On the other hand, Afghanistan is special for its Tokhm-Jangi, or egg fights. It has been a tradition for people of all ages to gather around in parks and try to crack each other’s hard-boiled eggs on the day of Eid.
2. Indonesia: Lebaran
In Indonesia, where the largest Muslim population lives, Eid Al Fitr has been localised by the name of Lebaran. Indonesians celebrate both customs and religion as they wear traditional clothing on the day, which is a practice also observed by Malaysians. Lapis Legit, a traditional thousand layer cake influenced by Dutch colonial times, is eaten on this day.
The Ministry of Labour has also issued that a mandatory bonus be given to employees. Tunjangan Hari Raya (THR), roughly translated to religious holiday allowance, is given once a year in accordance with the employee’s religion (Christians would receive THR for Christmas). Also, since many Indonesians work overseas, a lot of migration takes place as the workers return home for Eid festivities.
3. China: visit to Sayyid Ajjal’s tomb
Besides the Han majority, China officially recognises 56 ethnic groups. Some of the largest ethnic minorities such as the Uyghur or Hui populations are mostly Muslim, culminating to a total of about 25 million Muslims in China. In the Yunnan province, many Muslims visit Sayyid Ajjal’s tomb. Sayyid Ajjal Shams Al Din Omar was the first governor of Yunnan who promoted Islam and practiced tolerance of other religions. Visitors to his tomb clean the area and gather together to read the Quran, which resembles the Chinese Qingming festival in which families visit their ancestor’s tombs out of respect for elders.
4. Turkey: Bayram of Sweets
In Turkey, Eid Al Fitr is known as Ramadan Bayram or Seker Bayram – Bayram (festival) of Sweets. Besides prayers and family gatherings, children receive several sweets such as Turkish delight and traditional snacks like Baklava. Many have noted that this bears resemblance to Halloween when children receive candy. On the day of Eid, it is also common to greet elders by kissing their right hand.
5. Australia: Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair
As a country that honours various cultures and religions, Muslims and non-Muslims gather together and celebrate Eid in the Multicultural Eid Festival and Fair. First started in Sydney in 1994, it is also held in Melbourne and Canberra, welcoming people of all heritages. The festival hosts 150 stalls and has expanded immensely within the last decade. Also, most companies in Australia allow Muslims to take a day off of work to celebrate Eid.
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