@@ September Attendence Register @@ - Page 9

Eid ul-Fitr a time to celebrate and rejoice in the glory and the graces of Allah! Eid ul-Fitr or Eid marks the end of the fasting month called Ramadan. Eid is an arabic word which means to break into or rejoice, hence Eid is a festival of food, family reunion and prayers. Eid-ul Fitr or Eid is celebrated on the first day of the Islamic month Shawwal and marks the end of Ramadan the holy month of fasting. Eid means festivity in Arabic and fitr means breaking of the fast; is celebrated after sighting of the crescent on the previous evening, this day symbolizes breaking of the fast period. Eid ul Fitr is the first of the two celebrations, is a three day celebration and is also called the smaller Eid the other being Eid ul Adha and is called the Greater Eid. This is the day when festive spirit in a Muslim household is at the realm a family and a social event in which the preparations start well in advance. This day everyone wears new clothes and say the Eid prayer at the mosque or in an open area in congregation. Then everybody embraces each other to wish Eid Mubarak and visit their friends, relatives and acquaintances.

There is a lot of energy around on the eve before Eid. People do last minute shopping and the markets are open till late in the night. The frenzied preparations day start on the eve and Eid ul Fitr celebrations continue till for the next three days. Women decorate their hands by applying heena and people exchange gifts, sweets and various other things. In Pakistan during the month of fasting children do chiri-roza to give them a feeling of being a part of the spirit of Ramadan. So citing the crescent brings in a lot of excitement to the children and reflects in their glowing eyes as they eagerly await Eid to be declared the next day. After citing the Eid ul Fitr moon the next day is recognized as public holiday in India. Eid ul Fitr in China is celebrated by a lot of ethnic groups and is a public holiday for them as well. In countries like North America the east coast people celebrate Eid on different day than on the west coast. Eid is celebrated in a lot quiter way as compared to the sub-continent (India, Pakistan and Bangladesh) but even then Eid ul Fitr in New York is recognized and is celebrated in the right festive spirit. As Eid ul Fitr is not on a fixed day people residing in foreign countries like Canada, France, Japan, Australia and other countries get information about the day from the news, Eid ul Fitr pictures or clippings posted on websites and from other people of their community.

This day is of great importance to all. The most famous and popular dish sivvayyan is also prepared on this day. It is a day for thanksgiving to Allah, the Almighty for all the mercy and kindness he has bestowed upon his subjects and people pray for the wellness of mankind. People also contribute to the Zakat, do charity for the needy and the poor of the community. It is a day filled with excitement and is a complete chaos. There are smiling faces everywhere as there is a sense of accomplishment for all those who have fasted the entire month. This day people also exchange greeting cards and send Eid ul Fitr ecards to their loved ones far away on this mubarak day. There are Eid ul Fitr poems being written as well and people exchange pleasantries to this day as a symbol of happiness.

The International Day of Peace. It is dedicated to peace, or specifically the absence of war, such as might be occasioned by a temporary ceasefire in a combat zone. It is observed by many nations, political groups, military groups, and peoples.

To inaugurate the day, the "Peace Bell" is rung at UN Headquarters. The bell is cast from coins donated by children from all continents. It was given as a gift by the Diet of Japan, and is referred to as "a reminder of the human cost of war." The inscription on its side reads: "Long live absolute world peace.

1950 – World Dance Coucil inaugurated.