The Eid al-Fitr is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of one month fasting, referred by the Muslims as the holy month of Ramadhan. It is normally celebrated over two days through reciting the Takbir one night before the day, which continues through the night until the time for the Eid prayer on the morning of the Eid day. However, before the Eid prayer, all muslims who is able must pay Zakat al-fitr, a charity given to the poor whichcould be paid any time during the holy month of Ramadhan.

The day of Eid is celebrated amongst family and friends. They would visit each other and ask for forgiveness for past mistakes so they can start fresh and turn over a new leaf. The normal greetings on Eid is “Selamat Idul Fitri, mohon maaf lahir dan batin” which basically means “Happy Eid al-Fitr, please forgive my (physical and emotional) mistakes”.

Eid is also marked by the special meal which normally consists of ketupat (rice cake cooked in coconut leaves), opor ayam (chicken in coconut milk), gulai kambing (lamb curry), sambal goreng daging (minced meat in spicy sauce), and so on. It varies between families, but one thing is for sure: the ketupat will always be there.

This year’s Eid al-Fitr (or locally known as Idul Fitri) falls on Sunday, 20 September 2009. This is the first time in many years that the actual celebration falls one day earlier than predicted and printed by various companies in their annual calendar. The Indonesian were ready to celebrate it nevertheless.

The team of Indonesia To Go would like to wish you a very happy Eid al-Fitr, may the spirit of peace and forgiveness remain with you and your dearest ones throughout your whole life.

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