Eid Mubarak Ho!

Diwali is over. The thundering sounds of crackers and the colorful fireworks that filled up the dark sky throughout the night of Diwali have gone silent. All is quiet now. The most celebrated celebration in India has just gone by but another festival is soon coming up.

If the just concluded Diwali has been celebrated with full zest by the Hindus, it is Eid-ul-Fitr for the Muslims that is around the corner. It is the biggest celebration for Muslims the world over as a means of thanking God for the help and strength that they believe He gave them throughout the previous month of Ramadan to help them practice self-control. Eid ul-Fitr is a joyful celebration of the achievement of enhanced piety. It is a day of forgiveness, moral victory and peace, of congregation, fellowship, brotherhood and unity.

Being a Muslim myself, I am very happy to welcome this Eid. Having gone through a month long fasting ritual from day break till dawn, it is a welcome relief for me as well as for all other Muslims. If the month long Ramadan is the time for reflection and contemplation, the day of Eid-ul-Fitr is the best time for celebration and the extension of brotherhood.

Thus I shall wish all Muslims a very happy Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid Mubarak Ho, Selamat Hari Idul Fitri, 1 Shawwal 1427 H.

Note:
Since this year's Ramadan in India was started later (Monday, 25 September 2006) than in any part of the world, the most likely celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr is on Tuesday, October 24, 2006 (if Ramadan is 29 days). Otherwise it is on Wednesday, 25 October, 2006 (if Ramadan is to be completed in 30 days). But regardless of when the Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated in India, I shall once again extend my warmest wish of Eid-ul-Fitr to all Muslims in the world. Happy Eid!