Muslims around the globe celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr |13 May 2021

Today Muslims around the globe celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr or Eid-al-Fitr which marks the end of Ramadan.

The ninth month in the Islamic Lunar Calendar is Ramadan and the tenth is Shawwal whose first day is marked as Eid-ul-Fitr across the world.

This year, compared to previous years, the National Muslim Council of Seychelles (NMCS) will not host any open air public gathering for the traditional prayers. There will also be no public celebrations in conformity with the public guidelines issued by the Public Health Authority in the context of Covid-19 restrictions.

Also from a memo from the department of Public Administration which falls under the Vice-President’s office, the Islamic Society of Seychelles has requested that Muslim employees of the public sector be given a day off on the Festival day. Following this request approval is conveyed for a day off to be granted to Muslim employees in government and parastatal organisations to mark the occasion but employees should seek specific approval from their chief executives.

According to the Islamic calendar, the sighting of the crescent moon determines the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr. Every year, Eid-ul-Fitr occurs approximately 10-11 days earlier depending on when the crescent moon is sighted since lunar months are shorter than solar months and so it varies from country to country by about a day.

Apart from offering prayers and doing charity, Eid is celebrated by having some traditional delicacies and on this day Muslims also prepare Biryani and other dishes to celebrate the festival. They also exchange gifts and it’s a day of joyful celebrations among family members.

Vidya Gappy