Id-Ul-Fitr

Breaking the fast

“The festival of breaking the fast” occurs when the new moon is sighted after Ramadan. Sighting the crescent moon is auspicious for the Muslims for this marks the end of fasting. Muslims spend the entire month of Ramadan in penance and fasting. This month-long fasting spreads a feeling of intense goodwill and deep spirituality. Coming as it does at the end of a month of fierce fasting, the festival is one of rejoicing and fasting. Rich and delicious delicacies are a must. People visit the mosque and exchange good wishes. There is a lot of warmth, affection and geniality in the atmosphere.  

Delectable non-vegetarian food

Muslims are famous for their non-vegetarian cooking. Recipes prepared to celebrate Id-ul-fitr are typical mouthwatering non-vegetarian dishes. Succulent lamb kebabs packed with aromatic herbs and spices and are cooked to perfection. Served with lime wedges and crunchy, fresh vegetables, this platter is enough to set your mouth watering. Mutton curry is another specialty where chunks of tender mutton pieces lie in a bed of smooth-as-cream gravy begging to be plopped into the mouth. 

Various preparations of chicken mark the feast. Chicken Makhani, Chicken Mughlai and the world famous Chicken Tikka are just some of the dishes. Muslim cooking is very much influenced by the Mughlai style of cooking. Therefore, it is rich in aromatic herbs and spices. The use of nuts to enhance taste and thicken texture is another distinctive feature of this cooking. 

In Indian homes, rice plays an important part. However, during Id plain rice is substituted with aromatic flavored Pilafs or Biriyanis. Spices, herbs, nuts, vegetables and fruits go into the preparation of this rice. These rice preparations are eaten with flamboyant curries. 

Sweetmeats are another specialty of Muslim cooking. The phirni is a smooth and thick concoction of boiled rice, sugar and condiments. The famous ‘sewain’ is nothing but a kind of thin Indian noodles (called vermicelli), soaked and cooked in milk until the milk thickens. This kheer is then garnished with nut shavings and raisins.  

The Sohan Halwa is another favorite and if made properly, it can truly transport you to heaven. Corn flour is cooked with milk, spices and clarified butter. To finish off, the dish is artfully decorated with fruits and nuts.  

Id-ul-fitr is a joyous event for the Muslim. It is believed that the practice of Ramadan has its roots in the essential detoxifying and strengthening systems of the body. A period of fast and break from routine food is recommended by naturalists all over the world. This is what Ramadan does. However, the regimen is tough to follow and the days are long. Any celebration that marks the end of this rigorous period of fasting needs to be indulgent and plentiful. That is exactly what Id is.