Ramzan Eid

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Lesson Transcript

Culture Class: Holidays in India Lesson 14 - Ramzan Eid

Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in India Series at HindiPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Hindi holidays and observances. I’m Eric, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 14, Ramzan Eid. In Hindi, it’s called Ramzan Eid.

Do you know about the Muslim festival in which Muslims celebrate the end of a month of fasting with their families? Like Muslims around the world, Indian Muslims also celebrate this festival with great fervor.

In this lesson, we’ll talk about Eid-ul-Fitr, commonly known as Ramzan Eid in India. The date of this festival changes every year based on the lunar cycle, or Chand ki stithi.

Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question-

What makes children happiest during Ramzan Eid?

If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening.

In Islam, the month of Ramzan or Ramadan is a month of meditation and penance. During the course of this month, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking--even water--during the daytime. Only after sunset, or Saanjh, do they break their fast after evening prayers, with an Iftaar meal, meaning fast breaking meal, which consists typically of fresh dates, fresh cut fruits, and fruit juice along with fried dishes like samosas, pakodas, and so on. Muslims are expected to concentrate on strengthening their spiritual relationship with God during this month. After a month of this comes Eid-ul-Fitr, which is known as Ramzan Eid in India.

The evening before Eid is called Chand Raat in India. People go out to make Eid purchases on this evening and women adorn their hands with henna, or Mehandi. On the morning of Eid, Muslims pray and listen to sermons. It’s required that every true Muslim offer food to the poor during this month, but those who can’t afford it for the whole month do it just on Eid day. This offering is called Zakaat.

Great feasts are organized on this day and gifts are offered. People hug and greet each other, and say "Eid Mubarak" meaning "Wishing you happy Eid". Huge celebrations are organized in Mosques and a special Eid sweet called Senvaiyaan is prepared with vermicelli noodles cooked with sugar, cardamom, milk, raisins and dry fruits. The day of Eid is spent joyously among family and friends.

The city of Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh, which used to be a Muslim princely state, celebrates Eid with particular enthusiasm. One Hyderabadi dish, called Hyderabadi Haleem, is especially famous for Iftar meals and Eid celebrations. This delicious dish is made with goat meat, clarified butter, in Hindi Ghee, saffron, lentils, and wheat.

Now it's time to answer our quiz question-

What makes children happiest during Ramzan Eid?

As per another Eid tradition, on Ramzan Eid elders offer gifts to youngsters. This is called Eidii. It’s a kind of a motivational gift that kids look forward to receiving during Ramzan to encourage them to fast during this period.