How is Eid al-Fitr celebrated?

The Eid al-Fitr celebration will last for two to three days, where on the morning of the first day of Eid al-Fitr Muslims will perform the Eid prayer. At the same time, Muslims will congratulate each other on Eid al-Fitr with a formal handshake and hug to share happiness and forgive each other for past mistakes. It doesn't stop there, in the homes there will also be sweet dishes and gifts which are often given to children and those in need.

Muslims on the day of Fitri will forgive each other. These traditions will vary from country to country. In many countries with large Muslim populations, Eid al-Fitr will be a national holiday. Schools and offices will be closed so that on holidays Muslims can gather with family, relatives, friends and neighbors around where they live.

 

In the United States (US) and the UK, Muslims can request time off from school and work so they can travel or celebrate with family and friends. In countries such as Egypt and Pakistan, Muslims decorate their homes with lanterns, twinkling lights, or flowers. Special food will also be served to entertain friends, neighbors and extended family who will be invited to gather together.

In places like Jordan, with a predominantly Muslim population, several days before the Eid al-Fitr holiday arrives they will hunt for gifts in local malls and Ramadan markets. They will prepare to exchange gifts during Eid. In Turkey and in places that were once part of the Ottoman-Turkish empire such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Azerbaijan and the Caucasus, it is also known as, "Lesser Bayram" or "festival" in Turkish.

 

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan and is often interpreted as a day of victory. Apart from reflection and joy, Eid al-Fitr is also a time for charity, known as Zakat al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr is meant to be a time of joy and blessings for all Muslims and a time to share one's wealth with those who cannot afford to share in the happiness of the holiday.

 

Eid al-Fitr traditions in Indonesia

Each region certainly has its own unique traditions for celebrating Eid al-Fitr, as do Muslims in Indonesia. You must be very familiar with going home, takbiran, buying new clothes, and so on, right? These are only a small part of the traditions commonly practiced by Muslims in Indonesia. There are various distinctive traditions with unique stories behind them. 

 

The following are some Eid al-Fitr traditions in Indonesia that are still carried out today:

 

Homecoming

Returning home or going home is quite a phenomenal Eid tradition for Indonesians. This tradition is usually carried out a few days or even weeks before Eid al-Fitr arrives. This tradition is a moment for families who have migrated to various regions to stay in touch with each other.

Ketupat

The Eid al-Fitr celebration feels incomplete without the presence of ketupat and other side dishes. Ketupat is one of the typical Indonesian foods when Eid arrives. Usually ketupat is served with opor, rendang, curry, fried potato chili sauce, and other typical dishes. 

The night of the last day of Ramadhan

The next Eid tradition that is synonymous with Muslims in Indonesia is takbiran night. Usually takbiran is done in the evening before Eid al-Fitr, where people will go around chanting takbir while beating drums lively. However, generally the takbiran parade is different in each region, depending on the traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation in that area. 

Pilgrimage to the grave

The next tradition is the pilgrimage or 'nyekar' to the graves of family and ancestors. Usually this tradition is carried out the day before Eid al-Fitr or after the Eid prayer. It is not uncommon for people to bring flowers or incense when visiting graves.

Eid parcels or hampers

Parcels or hampers are also one of the Eid al-Fitr traditions which is quite popular in Indonesia. Usually people will send parcels or hampers to each other, whether for family, friends or work colleagues who are celebrating Eid al-Fitr. Currently, many Eid parcels are quite varied and creative, making it easier for you to choose a suitable parcel. 

THR

Another Eid tradition that is identical in Indonesia is the sticky greeting or distribution of THR. Usually this tradition is carried out by family members who are adults and have income, later they will distribute envelopes containing some money to their younger relatives. It's not surprising that THR has become a tradition that children look forward to when Eid al-Fitr arrives. 

Gathering to ask for forgiveness

Eid al-Fitr in Indonesia is also very synonymous with gatherings from one house to another. Usually friendly or halal bi halal activities are carried out on the first and second days of Eid al-Fitr. This is a moment to visit family, friends or neighbors to forgive each other and celebrate the holiday. 

These are some of the Eid traditions that are identical to those carried out by most Muslims in Indonesia.

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