Secondary School Level

When the holy month of Ramzan comes, Idd is not gar behind. The word W brings to my mind visions of fine clothes and wonderful dishes fairs, fun and joy. The long days of Ramzan pass away easily with the eager wait for the coming Idd.

Ramzan is a very important month for the Muslims. People try to lead a very pious life. They do not take anything, not even water, during the day. Smoking and drinking and entertainment etc. are given up. People try to have noble thoughts. 'Koran’ is read, prayers are offered and charity is practiced. The belief is, that a man shall earn as much 'good' as possible and free himself of base things and thoughts. This severe life of self denial comes to an end after a month. Ramzan is over. There is an eager wait for sighting the moon. When the moon is sighted, Idd begins. The world is full of the joyous cries of 'Idd Mubarak;

Hectic activities start the next morning. People get up full of excitement. They bathe and get dressed in their best clothes. Alms are distributed. The poor and the needy are given things with open hearts. The beggar and the Mendicant, the needy family or the religious man — all share the charity of the people. In return the givers receive innumerable blessings Then comes something noble, grand and unique. Muslims all over the world, old and young, assemble in different mosques, and offers 'Namaz’

It is an impressive sight. The solemnity, the religious intensity and the deep faith make the whole thing very moving. After the prayer people embrace one another with. the words 'Idd Mubarak'.

Now starts the fun part of Idd. The elders take the children to Idd fairs or the gaily decorated markets. They can have any toys, eat any of the delicacies in the market. Presents and gifts are also purchased for women folk at home

The home is a changed place that day. It is cleaned and white-washed^ and decorated. The atmosphere is of joy and excitement. Wonderful dishes like Mussalam and Briyani and Mutayyan, with the inevitable Sevayyans are prepared, with loving care. Eating them with all the loved ones is great fun. Evenings are spent in visiting one another exchanging greetings. One starts wishing that every day in life should be Idd!