It’s here! After a month of observing the dawn-to-dusk fast, Eid Al Fitr is welcomed with the first sighting of the crescent moon. In Dubai, Eid brings together people from diverse communities and cultures from within and outside the emirate. Everybody loves a celebration, and Eid is a great time to understand Arabian customs, cuisine and culture. Eid In Dubai offers us all that (and more) through family-oriented events including plays, concerts, theatrical shows and, of course, the spectacular fireworks displays. The festival also includes mega retail promotions at malls and in the souqs, and special holiday packages are offered by hotels across the city. So that is pretty much how we join in the celebrations, but I was keen to know how our Muslim friends traditionally celebrate Eid at home. And what are the customs that have been passed through generations.
“Eid in Dubai is always very exciting, and it all starts before Eid even begins”, said Faryal Khoori. “People shop for beautiful outfits on Eid as Islam encourages everyone to wear new clothes on the occasion.” Being in Dubai with Ramadan Night Markets and malls open until late hours surely makes pre-Eid shopping easier. But what happens on the day of Eid? “We go visiting the elders in our family. Children are always excited because they get Eidi [money] from the elders, as a blessing.” Faryal added.
Farida Ajmal said: “Family traditions are something close to our heart, [and are inculcated] by our elders. [There’s also] savouring the traditional food, comprising biryani and kheer.” She adds, “In this fast pace of life, stopping to celebrate Eid in its entirety is a celebration in itself. Dressing up well, applying henna on our hands, visiting family and friends, and enjoying [the occasion] together is an eternal blessing.”
Every festival holds special memories. Faryal says, “The beautiful thing about Eid is that the whole family gathers under one roof, from the grandmother to the sons and daughters with their husbands and wives, and their children and grandchildren. We see some of the family that we haven’t seen in a while. One of the most important part[s] of Eid is the amazing variety of food and dessert[s] prepared by family members,” Faryal added.
Family is also appreciated and missed during celebrations. Farida reminisces: “[My] most memorable Eid was celebrated with my parents when they were alive: taking their blessings and extracting Eidi are now nothing but precious memories in our hearts”.
To all my friends celebrating, I wish you Eid Mubarak and all special blessings.
