Muslims in India celebrate Id Ramzan
Muslims in India and throughout the world mark the ending of the month-long fasts of Ramadan (known as Ramzan in South Asia) with three joyous days of celebration, known in India as Eid ul-Fitr or Id-Ramzan. As a secular nation with at least four major religions, India is home to the third largest population of Muslims in the world. Muslims make up approximately 15% of Indians and are found throughout every region, contributing fully to the economic, political and cultural life of the nation.
Women and children praying.
The most prominent holiday among Muslims, Eid ul-Fitr, follows the ninth month of the lunar calendar. It is during this month in 610 CE that Mohammad is said to have received enlightenment from the Angel Gabriel while meditating on Mount Hira not far from Mecca in present day Saudi Arabia. Since that time Muslims revere this month as a holy time to be spent in praying, fasting and living virtuously. Following prayers and a meal before sun up each day, they fast, neither eating nor drinking until after sundown. Eid ul-Fitr marks the ending of Ramzan. The night before Eid is called Chand Raat or night of the moon as Muslims celebrate the rising of the new moon. The next day begins with prayers and sermons at the mosques and is followed by the exchange of gifts between family members and friends, and the giving of charity to the poor. New clothes are donned and women buy colorful glass bangles at the bazaar and have their hands painted with elaborate designs in henna. Communal feasting and celebration continue throughout the three days of the festival during which Muslims invite friends of all faiths to feast with them. As they meet and embrace in friendship, they wish each other, “Eid Mubarak” or “May you enjoy a blessed Eid.”
The end of fasting is celebrated with a feast.
Elaborate henna designs are customary for women during Eid.
We at Mela Artisans, wish Muslims everywhere a joyous and blessed Eid 2014!
Lamb dishes are very popular among Muslims in South Asia. We hope you enjoy this traditional recipe for lamb kebab from Mela Artisans.
Lamb Kebab
Lamb Kebab
Ingredients:
2 lbs boneless leg of lamb, cut into 1 inch cubes
2-3 small spicy green chillies, chopped
For Marinade
¼ cup lemon juice
1 cup plain yoghurt
salt to taste
1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
6-8 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 tbsp ground coriander powder
1 tbsp turmeric powder
Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Mix in the lamb pieces and coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 5 hours or overnight. Thread lamb pieces on skewers and grill over med-high heat until nicely browned and cooked to desired internal temperature. Serve with warm pita bread and a green salad. Enjoy!
