Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Highlights: Eid to be celebrated in India on April 11; entire nation gears up for the festival

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday greeted citizens on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr, as per PTI. "This festival promotes unity, forgiveness and charity. Eid is the occasion to help the poor and deprived people and share our happiness with them. This festival motivates us to lead a peaceful life and work for prosperity of the society," Murmu said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath wished people on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr and said that the festival brings the message of happiness and reconciliation. 

"The festival of Eid-ul-Fitr brings the message of happiness and reconciliation. This festival of happiness not only strengthens social unity but also increases the feeling of mutual brotherhood. This festival gives the message of peace and harmony. On the festival of Eid, everyone should take a pledge to further strengthen harmony and social harmony," he said.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge extended wishes on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. He wrote on X, “Warm greetings to everyone on the joyous occasion of Eid-Ul-Fitr. Let’s celebrate the spirit of unity, compassion, and sharing, strengthening the bonds of our diverse community. May this festive occasion bring prosperity and inspire us to serve humanity. #EidMubarak.”

Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo took to X to extend greetings on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. He shared a photo of himself along with a post that said, "Eid Mubarak! Wishing you all joy, peace and happiness on this special day." 

April 11 will be observed as a public holiday in all government offices/boards, corporations and institutions, including industrial establishments in Chandigarh. A notification in this regard was issued by the administration on Tuesday. 

A giveaway for the less fortunate and needy, Zakat-al-fitr is supposed to be given before Eid. Giving charity in the form of Zakat-al-fitr is a quintessential part of the festival. Check out people who have been doing their bit to fulfill the obligation and go the extra mile to make this world a better place here. 

Biryani is an integral part of Eid celebrations. Ahead of the festival, chefs weigh in on what makes each biryani so distinct, from Delhi’s degi and achari biryani to Lucknow’s Awadhi biryani and Hyderabadi biryani. Learn all about these biryanis here. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to wish the countrymen on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr on April 10. He posted, “Best wishes on Eid-ul-Fitr. May this occasion further spread the spirit of compassion, togetherness and peace. May everyone be happy and healthy. Eid Mubarak!” 

On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr on Thursday, the entry to the Taj Mahal will remain free from 7 am to 9 am for offering Namaz. Booking windows will remain closed for these two hours, said the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). More details here. 

Muslims in Pune are expected to witness the Shawwal crescent moon at 7:20 pm on April 10. They will celebrate Eid on April 11. 

In a video shared on X, Muslims from around the world, including Mecca in Saudi Arabia, Jerusalem, Indonesia, and other places can be seen performing morning prayers to celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Fitr. 

Muslim devotees offered prayers on the occasion of Eid-al-Fitr at the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar on April 10, 2024.

Eid celebrations are incomplete without a delectable spread to share with your friends and family. Here's a curated selection of timeless recipes that promise to tantalise your palate. From Nihari Gosht to Shahi Tukda, you will find the detailed recipes here. 

The Royal Family took to X to extend their wishes on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. “#EidMubarak to Muslims celebrating in the UK and around the worl,” the post said. 

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor joined scores of faithful for the vibrant Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations at the Chandrasekaran Nair Stadium in Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram. He also extended Eid wishes on X. “Delighted to exchange warm Eid greetings with many who were in attendance. Eid Mubarak to all!” he wrote. 

Ingredients 

Basmati rice - 1 kg 

Green cardamom - 10 gm 

Cloves - 5 Salt

For the biryani base 

Jhol 

Chicken cooked - 1.5 kg 

Elaichi powder - 10 g 

Mace powder - 5 g 

Sugar - 10 g 

Kewra water - 5 ml 

Ittar - 5 drops 

Degi mirch - 20 g 

Saffron water - 10 ml 

Ghee - 200 g 

Salt 

Method

Boil 5 litres of water and add the salt, cardamom and cloves. Add the rice and cook till 75 % done. Strain it and keep aside.

Learn the method to prepare the biryani base here. 

Ingredients 

Milk: 2 litres 

Sugar: 250 g 

Ghee: 100 g 

Seviyan (vermicelli): 150g 

Condensed milk: 1 cup 

Cardamom powder: 1 tsp 

Cashews: 25 g 

Almonds: 25 g 

Pistachios: 25 g 

Dry dates: 25 g 

Raisins: 25 g

Method: 

Begin by soaking the cashews, almonds, pistachios and dry dates in water for about 2 hours and cut them into fine slices. Now, take two litres of milk, boil it for about 20-25 minutes and let it rest aside. Learn about the next steps here. 

Mehendi, also known as henna, is a traditional art form that has been a part of Indian and Middle Eastern cultures for centuries. It is a popular way to add a touch of elegance and beauty to any occasion, and Eid-ul-Fitr is no exception. Check out Arabic, Moroccan, Indian, Pakistani, floral and more designs here. 

The crescent moon marks the beginning of a new month in the Islamic Calendar. In Islam, people refer to the Lunar Calendar for determining the important events like the beginning and the end of Ramadan. 

Mumbai will witness the Shawwal Crescent Moon at 7:24 pm on April 10. Meanwhile, Muslims in Kolkata will witness it at 6:15 pm. 

Banks will remain closed on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, April 11, in most of the states except Chandigarh, Sikkim, Kerala and Himachal Pradesh. 

Muslims across the globe who are observing Eid-ul-Fitr today celebrated the festival to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The festivities included special prayer service, feasting, family gatherings, and exchanging gifts. Check out pictures from around the world here. 

The video shows Eid celebrations at the Masjid An Nabawi or The Prophet's Mosque in Saudi Arabia. 

Muslims in Delhi are expected to see the Shawwal Crescent Moon at 6:52 pm on April 10, 2024. 

According to AP, Wednesday marked the first time since the 1920s that the historic Yeni Cami, or New Mosque, was being used for mass prayers during Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Built in 1902 by Italian architect Vitaliano Poselli, the landmark building tucked down a narrow street in the centre of the city stopped being used as a mosque in the 1920s.

The opening of the Yeni Cami for Ramadan prayers sends “a very good message, which is there is no contradiction being Muslims and being citizens,” said Taha Abdelgalil, the imam who led the prayer. “There is no contradiction between opening such (a) historical place and in the same time being proud of the history of the country and its independence.”