Hindus also joined in the celebrations in many parts of the state to mark the day with a show of harmony between communities.
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Obama praised the contribution of Muslim Americans around the country, including the late boxing legend Muhammed Ali, “to whom we bade farewell this Ramadan”.
In Kerala and Jammu and Kashmir, however, Eid will be celebrated tomorrow.
What is Eid al-Fitr?
Attired in traditional robes, Muslim brethren gathered at mosques and Eidgahs in the city early morning to offer “namaaz”, marking the end of month-long Ramzan.
In New York, Muslims marked the end of the holy month with street prayers and a party in Brooklyn.
Muslims observed complete fasting from dawn to dusk during the month and indulge themselves in charity. The Islamic calendar is lunar, so Ramadan and Eid can fall at different times each year.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has asked Ghanaians to use the occasion of Eid Ul Fitr to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace and security in the country. Time zones can also impact when Eid al-Fitr starts.
The Obamas will host an Eid celebration at the White House later this month. According to timeanddate.com, the Coalition for Muslim School Holidays, an organization composed of more than 80 religious groups, is in the process of making Eid Al-Fit’r and Eid al-Adha as days off in two NY schools.
The holiday comes after recent terrorist attacks in Bangladesh, Turkey, Iraq and Saudi Arabia have left hundreds dead, and a Muslim world still reeling from the loss.
“On this festival day, let us redeem our pledge to respect the dignity of man, the sanctity of life and the solemnity of all faiths”, he said.
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During this holiday, Muslims greet each other by saying “Eid mubarak” (EED-moo-BAR-ak), meaning “blessed Eid”.
