Eid-ul-Fitr celebrated at Kashmiri Masjid in Kathmandu (Photos)

Kathmandu — The Muslim community across the country is celebrating the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr with great enthusiasm today, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Traditionally, the festival is observed after completing a month-long fast during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Devotees offer special prayers and seek blessings from elders on the occasion.

Following the prayers, it is customary to visit relatives and senior family members for up to three days to exchange greetings and blessings, while younger members receive goodwill and gifts. Guests are served traditional delicacies such as vermicelli dishes and dates.

Charity holds special significance during Eid-ul-Fitr. Muslims donate according to their capacity to support the poor and underprivileged, which is why the festival is also associated with acts of giving. Zakat, including Zakat al-Fitr, is an obligatory form of almsgiving intended to help those in need celebrate the festival with dignity.

Eid is observed after the sighting of the new moon marking the end of Ramadan. According to Islamic teachings, Muslims are required to donate a portion of their annual savings—typically 2.5 percent—as zakat, while an additional contribution known as Sadaqat al-Fitr is given in food or its monetary equivalent.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast daily from sunrise to sunset, viewing it as a means of spiritual purification and a path to self-discipline and redemption.

On Eid, people wear new clothes, visit friends and relatives, and exchange greetings. The government has declared a public holiday to mark the festival, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

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