Eid al-Fitr is one of the most celebrated holidays in Bahrain. It marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, and is a time for joy and celebration. The phrase 'Eid al-Fitr' roughly translates to 'Festival of Breaking the Fast' in Arabic. It is a significant religious event in the Islamic calendar and is celebrated all over the world, but with special fervour in Muslim majority countries such as Bahrain.
The holiday is celebrated with much excitement and merriment in Bahrain. It begins with a prayer at dawn, known as Salat al-Eid, followed by a festive meal, which serves as the first daytime meal in a month. In Bahrain, the festivities involve a generous amount of gift-giving, charity and feasting. Homes and streets are beautifully decorated and there are special performances and activities for children. Traditional meals are prepared and shared with family, friends, and the less fortunate.
The exact date of Eid al-Fitr varies every year as it is dependent on the sighting of the moon, marking the start of the Islamic lunar month of Shawwal. Despite this variation in date, the spirit of the festival remains unchanged in Bahrain. It is a time of happiness, gratitude, charity, and most importantly, family gathering. Furthermore, in recognition of this holiday, businesses and schools usually remain closed, creating a public holiday that allows everyone to fully partake in the festivities.