The History of Eid ul fitr and Eid ul adha Plus Modern Traditions
After the Month of Ramadan comes the “Celebration of Breaking the Fast and Recurring Happiness” or Eid-ul-fitr. The festivities begin at sundown the day after the new crescent moon is spotted in the sky, which typically happens 29 to 30 days after the fast begins. This religious holiday is undertaken with much devoutness, with men attending a special Eid prayer and women performing the same in their homes. Following this are visits to friends and family followed by the exchange of gifts, cards, and increasingly Eid SMS messages. The first 3 days are celebrated in grand style. Some 70 days later, on the 10th day of the month Dhul Hijjah a second Eid is celebrated, to commemorate the completion of Hajj and the deeds of Abraham. This celebration is called Eid-ul-adha. Along with animal sacrifice and sharing of meat with the poor, many greetings and Eid Mubarak SMS are sent.
Each festival has common threads. Monies are saved to be presented to the poor in the first case, and meat is given to them in the second. This strengthens the ties within the community because the lower classes are looked after and it is insured that they can join in the celebrations. In both cases fine clothes are worn, either newly bought or well cared for items can be used. There is morning prayer for everyone, within the correct sphere allotted to them. There are special foods consumed, often made richly in the spirit of celebration. People gather and visit with friends and family, exchanging gifts, cards, and meals. For those who are at a distance, one may send paper cards through the mail or better yet, drop them a Eid SMS message.
The use of technology has altered certain aspects of greeting one another on Eid ul fitr and Eid ul adha. Where one used to have to plan ahead and remember to send a card to distant loved ones, these days one can send them instant greetings via SMS. Instead of trying to predict when the moon will show a crescent, plan a head, get a card, personalize it, and mail it off hopping it arrives in time, now one can use instant messaging to send a completely personalize “note” to anyone they feel needs one. Additionally there are loads of places to look up Eid SMS messages created by others for inspiration. Cards still exist for these celebrations, of course. They play a huge traditional role. Eid SMS are newer but can be used to communicate with anyone you know no matter how far away they might be.
There are many types of Eid messages, including Eid mubarak ones, Eid greetings, Eid mabarak wishes, Eid quotes, and Eid text messages. These do not replace the tradition of going to people's homes or giving small gifts to the children there. They do not replace the symbolic use of cards in face to face greetings, but they can supplement both of these. SMS can be send in English, Urdu, Hindi, and other languages also. Take advantage of this new popular trend by sending Eid SMS to your loved ones at the next Eid celebration!