Id

West Bengal, the gateway to eastern India abounds in colorful and exuberant festivities. Colloquially, it is said that the Bengali calendar of 12 months celebrates 13 festivals. The secular state not only celebrates the Bengali festivals, Id and Christmas are also celebrated with great fervor.

Id is the largest Muslim festival that is celebrated with pomp and grandeur throughout West Bengal. Id-ul-Fitr is celebrated after the culmination of the Ramzan month that involves a grueling period of prayers and fasting until sundown. The last ten nights of the Ramzan month are the sacred days of Lailut-ul-Kadar or "the nights of power". The holy Koran supposedly descended from heaven during the days of Lailut-ul-Kadar. However the actual origin of this auspicious moment is a secret shared between Allah and the Prophet.

It is indeed a beautiful sight to observe the religious Muslim men congregated near the Kolkata Maidan near Sahid Minar and immersed in prayers. On the day when the New Moon is finally sighted, the Muslims dress up in new clothes and feast and drink and indulge in mirth and merrymaking. They prepare special sweetmeats and delicatessens to celebrate Id. It is heartwarming to see the Muslims greet each other effusively and then warmly embrace exclaiming, ”Id-Mubarak”.

Another Muslim festival celebrated with gaiety in West Bengal is Id-ul-Zoha or Bakri- Id, as it is popularly known. According to the Koran, it honors the enormous sacrifice of Abraham at God’s beck and call. Abraham, overwhelmed by his deep love for the Prophet responded to his orders by blindfolding himself and attempting to kill his flesh and blood son. However on removing the cover, his discovered standing and a slaughtered ram at his feet.

Thus on the occasion of Bakri-Id, every Muslim family offers a healthy animal ok the likes of a full grown camel, cow, goat or sheep and distributes two thirds of the meat to the poor and needy. A short prayer thanking the lord for his benevolence and his benediction accompanies the celebrations.

Id-I-Milad celebrates the birth and death of the revered Prophet.