Whatever the festival may be, Indians are always in the mood of celebration. New attires, delicious cuisines, lights, flowers and holy chants mark the arrival of any festivity in India. Eid-ul-Fitr is one such festival which is celebrated joy and enthusiasm all over the country. As the holy month of Ramadan is approaching its end, the whole country is gearing up for the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr. It is a time when Muslims keep fast for one whole month of Ramadan and start preparing for Eid. It is the time to celebrate togetherness and savor authentic Muslim dishes like nihari, sevaiyan, firni, biriyani etc. As Eid is celebrated with great fervor all across the country, there are some unique places that draw the most colorful picture of the festival. Let us have a look at them.
Taj Mahal: the epitome of love, the symbol of outstanding Mughal architecture, the Taj Mahal gets decked up to celebrate the biggest festival of Islam. On the day of Eid, thousands of Muslims gather in front of the red sandstone mosque and offer prayers. Entry to the mausoleum is free for all on that day and it is the best time to witness the splendor of Islamic culture. People hug each other, exchange good wishes and get elated with the dawn of the celebration. In the evening the entire area around Taj Mahal gets decked up with lights, people dress in their best attires and come out on the streets to celebrate over sweets, smiles and shopping.
Jama Masjid: this 350 year old heritage sight in Old Delhi gets flocked by people on the day of Eid. It is also one of the first pilgrimage sites to offer namaz to mark the closure of Ramadan. The mosque and its surrounding streets of the old Delhi gets packed with devotees who come from every corner of the city to offer their holy prayers. People get dressed in their best attires and come out on streets to celebrate the occasion. Traditional bakeries, confectioneries, snacks counters and restaurants serve lip-smacking dishes during the celebration.
Chaar Minar: this historic monument in Hyderabad is the biggest attraction during the month of Ramadan and on the day of Eid celebration. Prayers are offered in places like Madannapet, Mir Alam Tank, Secunderabad, Masab Tank and Golconda Eidgahs. People gather at the marketplace and exchange greetings, sweets and gifts amongst each other. Bowls of sevaiyan, biriyani, sheer korma are cooked in restaurants to celebrate the festivity.
Haji Ali: one of the most reputed mosques in Mumabi, Haji Ali in the midst of the ocean gets flocked with people on the day of Eid. Sitting on the high rocks of the Arabian Sea, the tomb of Saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, glitters with lights and devotees on the holy occasion. The sound of holy music, namaz and bells are heard from distant quarters from the early morning of Eid. Haji Ali is also considered to be one of the most powerful places of worship in India.
Colors, food, lights, new attires, holy offerings, chants and fervor adorn the celebration of Eid and marks the presence of love and humanity in mankind.
