As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims around the globe are preparing to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, a festival that marks the culmination of fasting and reflection. The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee in Pakistan has announced a meeting on March 30, 2025, to sight the crescent moon, determining the exact date for Eid celebrations, which is expected to fall on either March 31 or April 1.
This year, the excitement surrounding the festival is palpable, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department predicting that the Shawwal moon will be born on March 29 at 3:58 AM. This moon will remain visible for about 70 minutes after sunset that same day, making it a prime candidate for sighting by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee the following evening.
In addition to the religious observance, the approach of Eid-ul-Fitr brings a unique surge in culinary traditions, notably the increased demand for handmade seviyan, a delicate vermicelli dessert. This year, Indian Muslim households from cities such as Hyderabad to Delhi are seeing a revival of this beloved treat, which symbolizes both cultural heritage and familial bonds as “Meethi Eid” (Sweet Eid) approaches.
A Kolkata vendor, Mohammed Saleem, remarks on the trend, stating, "Customers want twists like pistachio or khoya," underscoring how artisans are tailoring traditional recipes to meet modern tastes. Handmade seviyan is not just a dessert; it’s a culinary emblem, and this year, enthusiasts are experimenting with saffron-infused strands and unique flavors such as rose water and date-sweetened sheer khurma.
The zest for crafting homemade sweets speaks to the broader trends in the celebratory spirit. As families prepare for this joyous occasion, traditional homemade seviyan, usually priced between ₹150-₹300 per kilogram, provides a cost-effective alternative to premium packaged options. Moreover, urban markets across India report a 20% spike in online searches for these sweets.
Eid-ul-Fitr, known variously as Eid-al-Fitr or simply Meethi Eid, is often heralded as one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar, celebrated at the end of a month-long fast that emphasizes gratitude and unity within the community. The festival kicks off with the Eid Salah, a special congregational prayer held in mosques and open fields, where worshippers thank Allah for the strength to complete Ramadan.
The spirit of giving is central to the celebrations, with the distribution of Zakat-al-Fitr taking place before the Eid prayer. This charity is designed to ensure that the less fortunate can partake in the festival’s joys, reinforcing the ideas of compassion and community involvement.
It is worth noting that while most of the world will celebrate Eid on March 31, 2025, the timings may vary across regions. For instance, in Saudi Arabia, festivities often begin a day earlier due to geographical differences in moon sightings. Interestingly, Kerala, a state in India with a significant Muslim population of around 26.56%, celebrates Eid on the same day as Saudi Arabia regardless of local moon sightings.
The sacred month of Ramzan commenced on March 2, 2025, in India, with Eid festivities likely beginning after a month-long fast. The Islamic calendar dictates that the festival can fall on different dates across different regions based on the lunar sighting, making each community's celebration unique while maintaining shared values.
As we approach this significant occasion, the essence of Eid—sharing joy through communal prayer and feasting—is deepened by the culinary traditions that families uphold. From elaborate meals with traditional dishes like biryani and haleem to the cherished practice of giving ‘Eidi’—money or gifts given by elders to children—each aspect of the celebration nurtures community spirit.
In anticipation of the holiday, homes are adorned with lights, and markets bustle with shoppers eager to prepare for the grand festivities. The joy of reconnecting with friends and family, reflecting on shared experiences, and enjoying delicious meals together encapsulates the true spirit of Eid.
Eid Mubarak in advance! May this Eid bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to every household.
