This year, Eid Ul Fitr shall be celebrated in Qatar and rest of the countries in the Middle East on April 21, 2023 (Friday). According to astronomical calculations made by specialists at the Qatar Calendar House, Friday, April 21, 2023, is the first day of the month of Shawwal and the first day of the blessed Eid Al Fitr of this year.
The final decision regarding the beginning of Shawwal for this year remains within the competence of the Crescent Sighting Committee at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs in the State of Qatar.
Executive Director of Sheikh Abdullah Al Ansari Complex Eng. Faisal Al Ansari said that the crescent of the month of Shawwal for the year 1444 AH will be born on Thursday, corresponding to April 20, 2023 (the day of investigation), at 7:13 a.m. Doha local time (4:13 a.m. GMT) Al Ansari added that Shawwal crescent would be set after sunset on April 20, 2023, in the skies of Qatar for 22 minutes, and that period will increase as we head west.
The beginnings and ends of the Hijri months depend on the movement of the Moon in its orbit around the Earth, while the beginnings and ends of the Gregorian months depend on the movement of the Earth in its orbit around the sun.
Eid Ul Fitr celebrations in Qatar
Eid Ul Fitr is an important religious festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide, marking the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. Qatar, a small Gulf country with a predominantly Muslim population, is no exception to the festivities that come along with the festival. The Eid celebrations in Qatar are a blend of traditional customs and modern-day festivities, making it a unique experience for both locals and visitors alike.
Eid Ul Fitr is one of the biggest celebrations in Qatar, and the festivities begin from the night before the Eid day. Families visit shopping malls and markets to buy new clothes, jewelry, and gifts for their loved ones. The markets are bustling with activity, and street vendors sell traditional sweets, toys, and decorations.
After the prayer, families and friends exchange greetings and gifts and indulge in traditional Qatari delicacies. The houses are decorated with lights, lanterns, and colorful banners, and the streets are lit up with beautiful displays. In the evenings, fireworks displays are a common sight, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Eid Ul Fitr is a three-day-long celebration in Qatar, starting from the day of Eid, which is determined by the sighting of the moon. On the day of Eid, men and women dress in their finest clothes and gather in mosques or designated open spaces for the Eid prayer. The first day of Eid begins with a special prayer held in mosques or in large open spaces, like sports stadiums. It is mandatory for all Muslim men to attend the Eid prayer, and women are also encouraged to participate. The Eid prayer is followed by a sermon by the Imam, where he emphasizes the importance of Eid and reminds the worshippers of their religious duties.
After the prayer, families and friends gather to exchange greetings and gifts, and indulge in traditional Qatari delicacies. The streets and malls are decorated with lights and colorful banners, adding to the festive spirit. In recent times, fireworks displays have become a common sight in the evenings, further adding to the celebrations.
Food served during Eid in Qatar
Food plays a significant role in Qatari culture, and Eid Ul Fitr is no exception. Families prepare a lavish spread of traditional dishes, including Machboos, a spicy rice dish with meat or fish, Harees, a porridge-like dish made with wheat and meat, and Luqaimat, a sweet fried dough ball, among others. Qatari sweets like Balaleet, a sweet vermicelli pudding, and Umm Ali, a bread pudding with nuts and cream, are also popular during Eid. Guests are often served Arabic coffee and dates as a gesture of hospitality.
Generosity of the Qatari Royal Family during Eid
The Qatari Royal Family is known for their generous spirit and philanthropic activities, especially during the month of Ramadan and Eid Ul Fitr. The royal family distributes food packages and gifts to the less fortunate members of society, both within the country and in other countries as well. In recent years, the royal family has also opened their palaces to the public on the second day of Eid, allowing visitors to meet and greet the royal family and enjoy traditional Qatari hospitality.
Apart from the royal family, many charitable organizations and individuals also come forward to help the needy during Eid. They distribute food, clothes, and gifts to orphanages, old age homes, and low-income families.
In conclusion, Eid Ul Fitr is a grand celebration in Qatar, marked by traditional customs, modern-day festivities, and a spirit of generosity. The celebrations bring together people from different walks of life, and the food and hospitality make it an unforgettable experience for all.
Impressive entertainment and tourism activities on Eid Al-Fitr
Qatar Tourism, in cooperation with Qatar Airways, revealed a calendar of entertainment events and interesting offers that it will present as part of its campaign “Eid in Qatar” from April 21 to 23, as part of its celebrations of Eid Al-Fitr.
During the three days, Qatar will witness a joyful festive atmosphere and wonderful entertainment shows that are designed to meet the aspirations and interests of all visitors and residents of Qatar, from singing and music concerts by the most famous singers and artists in the Arab world to children’s performances full of joy and vitality.
The people and visitors of Qatar who wish to spend the Eid holidays in Qatar will also have plenty of accommodation options provided by the diverse and luxurious world-class hotels that Qatar owns.
Rixos arranges wonderful celebration during Eid
Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha has unveiled special packages for families and friends to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr, in a special way, with an all-inclusive Eid stay that includes international dishes, unlimited beverages and wonderful entertainment programs designed for everyone.
Rixos also announced a special Eid festival that includes a delicious lunch for families and a Rixy carnival for children with a special lunch and endless fun activities, while Anjana Spa is preparing to pamper guests for Eid with luxurious facials and reflexology treatments.
Eid Ul Fitr is a significant festival in Qatar, marked by traditional customs, modern-day festivities, and a spirit of generosity. The celebrations bring together people from different walks of life, and the food and hospitality make it an unforgettable experience for all.
On the even of Eid Ul Fitr, on behalf of the Editorial Board of BLiTZ, we would like to extend our warmest greetings to His Royal Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of Qatar, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, and people of Qatar. Eid Mubarak!
