One of the most important dates on the Islamic calendar, the festival of Eid Al Fitr draws the holy month of Ramadan — the period of fasting — to a close, when the crescent moon is observed in the evening sky. A special time for families and friends to come together and enjoy the spirit of the season, the celebrations see loved ones gathering over culinary feasts and exchanging gifts. This year, Eid Al Fitr is expected to begin at sundown on Tuesday, April 9, and will be marked throughout the region with spectacular fireworks displays and a range of festivities across public spaces.

​

Occurring two months later and expected to begin on June 16 this year, Eid Al Adha marks the culmination of the season of Hajj — the sacred pilgrimage that millions of Muslims make to the holy city of Makkah, which is considered one of the most important religious observances in Islam. It is also known as the Festival of the Sacrifice as it commemorates the tale of Prophet Abraham’s willingness to give the life of his son, Ishmael, as an act of obedience to God, who then provided a ram instead as an offering before the sacrifice could be made.