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STORY
14 | FireFlyz
The game is popularly known as
Tokhm-Jangi
. Quite a departure from
eggs fight in Afghanistan, Iranians cel-
ebrate Aidilfitri at home with family and
friends. Sacrifices, like the offering of a
lamb, are done by families as an act of
charity for the less fortunate.
If you are celebrating in Cape Town,
it is common for some families to visit
graveyards and pray for the salvation
of departed family members after the
morning prayers. They also visit neigh-
bours, family members and especially
senior relatives called Murubbis to share
sweets, snacks and special meals, includ-
ing some special dishes that are prepared
specifically on Aidilfitri.
The Art of Giving
In India, the night before Aidilfitri is
called
Chaand Raat
. Women often apply
henna on their hands and feet. New
clothes are also part of the tradition
for Aidilfitri celebration in India. The
children are the most excited as they
will be given small sums of money called
Eidi
by their elders. Diverse delights like
Seviyan
(vermicelli pudding),
Hyder-
abadi Haleem
(mutton stew),
Kebabs
and
Nihaari Gosht
(traditional dish of slow
cooked meat adorned with rose water)
are savoured.
As for Saudi Arabia, it is huge tradition
for families to gather at the patriarchal
home after the morning prayers. Before
the special first meal is served, young
children will line up in front of each adult
family member, who dispense riyals to
the children. It is also tradition in some
areas for Saudi men to go and buy large
quantities of rice and other staples and
then leave them anonymously at the
doors of those who are in need.
Aidilfitri is a beautiful celebration
of not only faith but also forgiveness.
Regardless of where and how it is cel-
ebrated, it is a commemorative victory
for Muslims after a month of resistance
from temptations.
Henna is widely used in
India and Pakistan during
occasions like Aidilfitri
Back in the day, pelitas (oil lamps)
were used to illuminate homes