Eid-al-Fitr: The Festival We wish you all a very happy and prosperous Eid.

KS Rao

April 11,2024

Eid-al-Fitr 2024: Eid-al-Fitr is one of the biggest Islamic holidays. It's also called 'Meethi Eid' because it marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. The celebration of Eid-al-Fitr typically takes place during the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Hijri (Islamic lunar calendar), immediately after Ramadan. Communal prayer is performed at dawn on the first day of this festival.

Date to celebrated the festival:

In 2024, Eid-al-Fitr is anticipated to occur around April 10th or April 11th. However, the precise date of Eid-al-Fitr changes annually, determined by the sighting of the moon. This date may vary by one or two days, depending on the location.

The celebration starts with special prayers at mosques on the first day of Eid. Muslims around the world come together to eat, pray, and give to charity.

Eid-al-Fitr 2024: History

Eid-al-Fitr has its origins deeply intertwined with Islamic tradition and is closely linked with the sacred month of Ramadan. Its roots can be traced back to the early days of Islam, when Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina.

Eid-al-Fitr 2024: Celebrations

After the prayer at mosques, people begin their celebrations by wishing each other 'Eid mubarak. They also visit one another's place, wear new clothes and enjoy a hearty meal with near and dea ones.

A number of dishes are prepared on this day with sevai being the most prominent sweet dish that defines the festival name, 'Mithi Eid'.

This festival is considered a symbol of brotherhood and peace. Elderly members of the family give gifts or money to the children, calling it Eidi, while food and clothing are donated to the poor.1. Dum Pukht Chicken Biryani (By Pritpal Singh Bakshi, Master Chef, Novotel Goa Candolim)

Eid-al-Fitr is one of the biggest Islamic holidays. It's also called 'Meethi Eid' because it marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. The celebration of Eid-al-Fitr typically takes place during the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Hijri (Islamic lunar calendar), immediately after Ramadan. Muslims in India will celebrate Eid ul-Fitr on April 11 (Thursday) and to make this day even more special, here are some tasty recipes that you can try at home.

1. TANDOORI KATHAL KI BIRYANI (By Tarun Shetty, Corporate Chef, SMAASH)

Ingredients:

Katal (Raw Jackfruit)
Peppercorns
Basmati Rice
Cumin Seeds
Ghee
Cinnamon sticks
Onions
Nutmeg Powder
Tomato
Turmeric powder
Ginger
Red Chilli Powder
Garlic
Garam Masala
Green chillies
Curd
Bay Leaves
Salt
Brown cardamom
Mustard
Cloves
Mint leaves
Fresh coriander

Method:

Marinate the Jackfruit with Curd, Red chilli powder, Ginger Garlic paste, Garam Masala Powder, Mustard Oil and Salt. Let it Marinate for a while and then grill it on a griller or non-stick pan and keep it a aside.
Keep water for boiling to which bay leaf ,1 tsp Turmeric powder and 2 Tsp. of salt will be added. Once the water boils add the rice which has been soaked for an hour.
Once the rice is 80 percent done ,drain it and keep it aside
Heat ghee in a dutch oven or a pot.
Add all the whole spices. Sauté for some seconds till fragrant.
Add the sliced onions and fry them till they begun to get caramelized or golden.
When the onions begin to get golden, remove half of the onions and drain them on paper towels.
Add ginger, garlic and green chili paste. Sauté for a few seconds till the raw aroma goes away.
Then add the tomatoes, mint leaves and coriander leaves. Sauté for 1 to 2 mins.
Add all the spice powders
Add the grilled jackfruit. Stir and sauté for 7 to 8 mins. Then add the beaten yogurt.
Stir and add water. Add salt and cover the pot with its lid.
Simmer the gravy till the jackfruit is cooked and tender.
If the water dries up while cooking, then you can add some water.
Also soak saffron in warm milk and keep aside.
Heat ghee in a dutch oven or a pot.
Add all the whole spices – mace, stone flower, cinnamon, cloves, caraway seeds, cardamoms. Sauté for some seconds till fragrant.
Add the sliced onions and fry them till they begun to get caramelized or golden.
When the onions begin to get golden, remove half of the onions and drain them on paper towels.
Add ginger, garlic and green chili paste. Sauté for a few seconds till the raw aroma goes away.
Then add the tomatoes, mint leaves and coriander leaves. Sauté for 1 to 2 mins.
Add both the spice powders – red chili powder and turmeric powder
Add the chopped jackfruit. Stir and sauté for 7 to 8 mins. Then add the beaten yogurt.
Stir and add water. Add salt and cover the pot with its lid.
Simmer the gravy till the jackfruit is cooked and tender.
If the water dries up while cooking, then you can add some water.
Also soak saffron in warm milk and keep aside.
In the same dutch oven or pot, on top of the jackfruit gravy, add half of the fried onions.
Spread a second layer of rice, mint and fresh coriander. Add all the rice in this layer.
If you want you can make 2-3 layers.
Sprinkle the saffron flavoured milk along with the saffron threads, kewra water on the rice. Also dot with ghee.
Now for the Dum Part remove the pot from the flame, place a griddle on the flame and top of the griddle place the pot and cover the pot. Keep it on low flame. If you want you can keep adding water to the griddle.
Let it cook for a while on this Dum and remove after 15 minutes.
Serve hot with mixed Raita.