Eid-ul-Fitr to be celebrated on Oct 02

Eid-ul-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, after a month of fasting will be celebrated on Thursday, October 02. Coincidently for India, the day marks the double celebration as October 02 is the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation.

The announcement was made by Syed Ahmed Bukhari, Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, Delhi on Tuesday evening after the new moon could not be sighted in India.

"The moon of Shawwal-ul-Mukarram was not sighted anywhere in India on September 30 of Ramzanul-Mubarak, so there will be another day of fasting Wednesday. The Eid will be celebrated Insha Allah on Thursday," said the Shahi Imam.

“So, I announce the Shauwwalul-Mukarrm (Eid-ul-Fitr) falls on October 2,” he added. Eid means “festivity” and Fitr means “to break the fast.” Thus, the holiday symbolises the breaking of the fasting period.

Eid celebrations commence on the first day of the Islamic month of Shaban. Muslims are commanded by the Quran to complete their fasting on the last day of Ramadan and then recite the Takbir all throughout the period of Eid.

The President Pratibha Patil and the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have greeted the nation on the blissful occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

"On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, I take great pleasure in extending my greetings and good wishes to all fellow citizens. This festival brings joy and happiness to all and especially to those who have observed fasting during the Holy month of Ramadan,” said Pratibha Patil.

“May this year's festival inspire all of us to strengthen the principles of friendship and mutual goodwill among our people. Let us on this day of festivity re-dedicate ourselves to come forward in the service of the poor and the needy," she added.

The Prime Minister said that Eid-ul-Fitr symbolises compassion, brotherhood and the spirit of sharing. “May this festival strengthen our resolve to spread peace, harmony and mutual tolerance among the people of our country,” added Dr. Singh.