The celebration at the end of Ramzaan is called 'Eid-ul-Fitr'. It is a joyous occasion with strong religious significance. Zakat or the giving of a special charity for this occasion is obligatory. Muslims dress in holiday attire, attend a special community prayer in the morning, and visit friends and relatives. Greetings of 'Eid mubarak," are exchanged.
There are quite a few Muslim actors in our television industry. Let's find out how they celebrate this festival.
Actor Raahil Azam, after winding up his shots for Ye Meri Life Hai, he plans to take off to Bangalore to join his parents to celebrate Eid. According to him, "It's prayers and thanksgiving to Allah. The best part is I get to be with my parents and take part in the zakat and fitr. My tight schedule did not allow me to keep roza either." Cine actor and telestar Farida Jalal is very much a devout Muslim who keeps roza (fasting), does namaaz in the morning and gives away in charity to the needy. "I don't buy anything new for myself after I lost my husband. But I celebrate for my son Yaseen, and my friends and neighbours come over as they relish the sevaiyan I make especially for the occasion," Farida reveals. Nausheen Ali Sardar looks forward to "Having sheer korma, sevaiyan and biryani, have fun with my cousins and watch a film in the evening. As I am shooting for a movie, I could fast for only two days this year."
For Shama Sikander, this Eid is one without her family as they are away in Rajasthan, but her friends make up for it, she says. Since she was in the USA, she observed only 15 rozas but she reveals, "I'm very religious and have been keeping rozas since I was seven years old." Lack of time made her leave it to her designer to make a salwar kameez for the occasion.
This year, Husain Kuwajerwala observed fast whenever possible. His family donates money every month and even educates needy children. He feels one doesn't require any special month to do charity. According to him, Eid is a 'jingbang' of cousins meeting up, spreading happiness and thanking God for His blessings.
Comedian Sajid Khan has left everything to his sister Farah, who takes care of everything. "We'll probably go out in the evening for dinner," he adds. He does not wish to talk about the charity as he feels it is a personal belief and should not be revealed. Nigaar Z Khan's Eid is a low profile one this year, as she lost her grandmother, but she says, "I look forward to Eid every year as everything falls right for me on Ramzaan. My sister and I kept 20 rozas. As for clothes, I'll pick up a dress from Ritu Kumar." For Malaika Arora Khan, who is not a born Muslim but has married one (Arbaaz Khan), the festival is a "Grand gathering of relatives and friends and good food. I love and respect all rituals and I personally observe them as well. Arbaaz observes fast in the month of Ramzan and I have just introduced my son to namaaz. He is too tiny to go all the way," she concludes.