(Commonwealth) Eid, celebrated by millions of Muslims worldwide, is a time of immense spiritual and cultural significance across the Commonwealth, a diverse group of nations united by shared history, culture, and values. The observance of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha varies greatly across these countries, reflecting the rich and varied traditions of the Muslim communities in each. Yet, regardless of where it is celebrated, a common thread of devotion, generosity, family, and community ties the celebrations together.
In the United Kingdom, Eid is a moment of unity for a large and diverse Muslim population, which includes communities of Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Turkish, and Somali descent. Both Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, commemorating Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, are celebrated with special prayers held at mosques, open fields, or sports stadiums to accommodate the large crowds. Cities such as London, Birmingham, and Manchester witness a significant gathering of Muslims offering prayers. After the prayers, people continue the celebrations by visiting friends and family and sharing delicious feasts. The tradition of giving Eidi, small gifts or money to children, is a cherished practice. Additionally, charity is a key component of the celebration, with Muslims contributing to Zakat al-Fitr during Eid al-Fitr to help those in need. Cultural festivals are also organized, providing an opportunity for the wider community to engage with and learn about the rich traditions of the Muslim population.
In India, where the Muslim community is one of the largest in the world, Eid is a deeply significant occasion. The end of Ramadan is marked with grand celebrations, especially in cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Hyderabad, where thousands of people gather for prayers at mosques and open spaces. Streets are illuminated with festive lights, and families dress in their finest clothes for the occasion. As part of the tradition, special dishes such as biryani, keema, and seviyaan (a sweet vermicelli dish) are prepared and enjoyed together. In northern states, it’s common to visit neighbors and offer Eidi—small gifts or money. Eid is not only a time for feasting and family gatherings but also an opportunity for charity, with many Muslims in India giving to those less fortunate, ensuring that no one is excluded from the celebrations. Eid al-Adha holds special significance in India as well, with the sacrifice of an animal being a central practice, and the meat is shared among relatives, friends, and those in need.
Just across the border, Pakistan celebrates Eid with immense enthusiasm. Eid al-Fitr marks the conclusion of Ramadan’s month of fasting, while Eid al-Adha is a time for reflection and sacrifice. On both occasions, the streets are lively, with people heading to mosques or open fields for prayers. It’s customary for families to dress in their best clothes and visit relatives, exchanging gifts and enjoying meals. Traditional dishes such as biryani, seekh kebabs, samosas, and keema are central to the festive spread. The giving of Eidi, money or small gifts to children, is a significant tradition. Eid in Pakistan is also characterized by its charitable spirit, particularly during Eid al-Adha, when many people donate meat from the sacrificed animal to the less fortunate. Public events and festivals in the cities attract thousands, with mosques often beautifully decorated, creating an atmosphere of devotion and joy.
In Malaysia, Hari Raya Puasa, as Eid al-Fitr is known, blends traditional Malay customs with Islamic practices. The streets of cities like Kuala Lumpur are adorned with colorful lights, and open houses are a central feature of the celebration. These open houses invite friends, family, and even strangers to enjoy a festive meal together. Preparations for Hari Raya include the cooking of popular dishes such as ketupat (rice dumplings), rendang (spicy beef stew), and lemang (glutinous rice cooked in bamboo). Malaysians also observe the tradition of visiting the graves of departed loved ones, offering prayers for their souls. The custom of giving duit raya (money in green envelopes) to children symbolizes blessings and prosperity. The celebration in Malaysia is deeply rooted in hospitality, with a strong emphasis on generosity and sharing meals with others, regardless of their social status.
In Australia, Eid celebrations bring together the diverse Muslim communities from across the world. In cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, large-scale gatherings take place for prayers, and afterward, families come together for communal meals. Traditional foods such as shawarma, biryani, and baklava are enjoyed. One of the highlights of Eid in Australia is the growing tradition of Eid festivals, where food, music, and cultural performances are showcased, providing an opportunity for Muslims to share their traditions with the wider public. Charity is also an important part of Eid in Australia, with many Muslims taking the opportunity to donate to local charities or assist those in need. With a multicultural population, Eid in Australia highlights the common values that unite people of all backgrounds—compassion, generosity, and solidarity.
South Africa’s Muslim community also celebrates Eid with enormous enthusiasm. Cities like Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg see large congregations gathering for prayers, after which family members and friends visit one another, exchanging gifts and enjoying festive meals. Traditional dishes such as bunny chow (a curry served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread), biryani, and koeksisters (syrup-soaked pastries) are often served. Acts of charity also mark Eid in South Africa, with many Muslims focusing on helping those less fortunate. The tradition of Eidi is popular, and it’s a time for families to reflect on their blessings and express gratitude. Cape Town hosts an Eid Festival that is a highlight of the celebrations, offering performances, food, and art that showcase the cultural diversity of the country.
In Canada, where multiculturalism is a core part of the national identity, Eid is a time to celebrate cultural diversity within the Muslim community. In cities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, Muslims gather for prayers, followed by meals with family and social events. Traditional foods like samosas, kebabs, and biryani are served, and Eid is celebrated with children. Charity is an integral part of Eid in Canada, with many Muslims donating to local charities or providing support to those in need. Special events and festivals are organized to bring together different communities, fostering a sense of unity and mutual understanding, reflecting the values of inclusion and compassion that are central to Canadian society.
In Singapore, Hari Raya Puasa is a public holiday and a time for immense joy, especially for the Malay Muslim community. The celebrations begin with prayers, followed by visits to family and friends. The Geylang Serai Bazaar becomes a vibrant hub during this time, offering a wide range of traditional Malay foods, clothing, and crafts. Ketupat, rendang, and lemang are staples, and duit raya (money in envelopes) is given to children. Eid in Singapore is also characterized by its focus on charity, with many Muslims contributing to causes that help the less fortunate.
In Bangladesh, Eid is eagerly anticipated, and the atmosphere in cities like Dhaka is electric with excitement. Public prayers are followed by family gatherings and traditional feasts. Streets are brightly decorated, and families prepare elaborate dishes such as pulao, biryani, kebabs, and sheer khurma, a sweet milk-based dessert. As with other parts of the Commonwealth, charity plays an essential role during Eid in Bangladesh, with many people donating to the poor or helping those in need. Eid is a time for reflection, family bonding, and community engagement.
Eid across the Commonwealth, in its many forms, is a celebration of shared values. While the specific practices may differ from one country to another, the essence of the celebration remains the same—prayer, reflection, family, and generosity. Whether in the bustling streets of London, the vibrant atmosphere of Dhaka, or the community-oriented celebrations in Melbourne, Eid serves as a reminder of the unity of the global Muslim community, bound together by faith, tradition, and the values of compassion and charity.
