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| PC: ET |
Eid al-Fitr, also known as the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," is an important Islamic holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.
Eid al-Fitr typically begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon, and it is traditionally celebrated for three days. During this time, Muslims attend special prayers at mosques, exchange gifts and greetings with friends and family, and enjoy festive meals together.
The holiday is also an occasion for charitable giving, with Muslims encouraged to donate to those in need, particularly in the form of Zakat al-Fitr, a special charity given to the poor before Eid prayers.
Eid al-Fitr is a joyous and important celebration in the Islamic calendar, bringing together communities to celebrate the end of a month of fasting and reflection, and to express gratitude for the blessings of the past year.
Like the traditional celebrations of Eid al-Fitr, there is a unique practice that takes place between the Pakistani and Indian armed forces. Every year on the occasion of Eid, the two sides exchange sweets and greetings at the Wagah-Attari border crossing.
First time in 1954 this practice was started and it is a confidence-building measure aimed at promoting goodwill and establishing peace between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. The exchange of sweets and greetings is seen as a symbol of mutual respect and a step towards building trust and friendship.
Everyone knows that despite the longstanding tensions between Pak-India, the annual exchange of sweets has continued, and it serves as a reminder that even in times of conflict, there are opportunities for cooperation and understanding.
The practice of exchanging sweets on Eid is a powerful symbol of hope and a reminder of the importance of building bridges and promoting peace between communities, nations, and peoples.
As usual, this year, the armed forces of Pakistan and India continued the tradition of exchanging sweets on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. On May 14, 2021, the soldiers from both sides gathered at the Wagah-Attari border crossing and exchanged boxes of sweets and greetings.
The exchange of sweets took place despite the ongoing tensions between the two countries, particularly in the context of the long-standing Kashmir conflict. The practice of exchanging sweets on Eid is seen as a small but important step towards promoting peace and understanding between the two nations.
While the exchange of sweets is not a solution to the complex issues between Pakistan and India, it is a reminder that even in the midst of conflict, there is room for small gestures of goodwill and cooperation. The tradition of sharing sweets on Eid is a reflection of the shared cultural and religious heritage of the two countries, and it is hoped that it can continue to be a symbol of hope and friendship in the years to come.
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