Eid in Pakistan: one of the Largest festivals in Pakistan
Eid ul-Fitr the biggest festival, often referred to as “Sweet Eid” in Pakistan, is a significant religious festival and one of the festivals upcoming on the end of Ramazan fasting, celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid in Pakistan is a time of joy, gratitude, and communal harmony across the country.
Preparations and Anticipation
As Eid in Pakistan approaches, excitement fills the air in Pakistan. Hotels and restaurants are beautifully redecorated, and the public eagerly prepares for the festivities. Markets come alive with families shopping for new clothes, accessories, and gifts, embracing the tradition of renewal. Women adorn their hands with intricate henna, enhancing the joyous atmosphere.
Prayer time for Eid
Eid prayer time in Pakistan vary by city, village, and sect. Each mosque sets its schedule, with Sunni and Shia communities having separate congregations. Men attend early morning prayers led by their local Imam, while women typically pray at home. After prayers, families exchange greetings and begin festive celebrations.
Eid Day Rituals
Eid in Pakistan begins with the special congregational prayer held early in the morning, marking the official start of the festivities. Unlike regular daily prayers, the Eid prayer is performed in large open grounds, mosques, or designated Eidgahs. However, prayer traditions vary based on sects, with Sunni and Shia Muslims having separate mosques and prayer timings. Each sect follows its own Imam, and the prayer time is determined by local religious scholars and mosque leaders.
Men gather in large numbers at their respective mosques or prayer grounds, dressed in new or traditional attire, symbolizing purity and renewal. It is customary for worshippers to take a different route when returning home after the prayer, following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The prayer is followed by a sermon, where Imams deliver messages of unity, gratitude, and the significance of Eid.
Unlike men, women in Pakistan typically do not attend the Eid prayer, as cultural norms and traditions often encourage them to celebrate at home. Instead, they prepare for the day’s festivities by making traditional dishes, setting up for guests, and ensuring the home is ready for visitors.
After the prayer, worshippers embrace one another, exchanging warm wishes of Eid Mubarak before heading home to enjoy a sweet dish like sewaiyan (vermicelli pudding). The day then continues with family gatherings, visiting relatives, and distributing Eidi (pocket money) to children, making Eid a time of joy, togetherness, and deep cultural significance in Pakistan.
Culinary Delights
Eid in Pakistan is a vibrant celebration, with each region showcasing its unique cultural flavors. Sindhis prepare handmade sewaiyan, drizzling them with sugar or treacle, while donning traditional Ajrak and embroidered attire reflecting Indus heritage.
Punjabis feast on Sheer Khurma and mutton pulao, while Balochis serve meat-heavy dishes, showcasing their love for grilled delicacies. Pashtuns celebrate with dry fruits, lamb dishes, and green tea. Across the country, desserts like mawa and rasgulla are shared with guests.Despite regional differences, the essence of Eid in Pakistan remains the same—hospitality, joy, and communal bonding through food and traditions.
Cultural Traditions
A cherished tradition during Eid in Pakistan is the giving of “Eidi,” monetary gifts from elders to younger family members, symbolizing blessings and goodwill. This practice fosters generosity and strengthens familial bonds. Additionally, families and friends visit each other’s homes, sharing meals and exchanging gifts, reinforcing social ties and community spirit.
Public Holidays and Observances
The Pakistani government typically announces public holidays to allow citizens to celebrate Eid festival with their families. In festivals in 2025, the federal government declared a three-day holiday from March 31 to April 2, while the Sindh government extended the break to eight days, incorporating additional regional observances.
Conclusion
Eid ul-Fitr is the biggest festivals this year in Pakistan . that encapsulates the nation’s rich cultural and religious heritage. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and communal harmony, bringing together people from all walks of life to share in the joy and blessings of this auspicious occasion.
Eid Mubarak to All Muslims around the world by Rph Yassin
