Today, more than 9.6 m Pakistanis live abroad… do you know how they celebrate their Eid? This blog highlights some tips to celebrate Eid in a foreign country.
Celebrating Eid abroad can be a wonderful and unique experience. Although it may be different from the way we celebrate it in our country Pakistan, it can also be an opportunity to learn and experience new traditions and cultures.
Eid is a time of the year for joyous moments with loved ones. Also, it the time to rejuvenate the spiritual levels as this religious event helps heal and achieve the most precious peaceful moments while performing religious rituals.
Here are some tips on how to celebrate Eid when you’re away from your homeland.
Eid on Foreign Ground
Eid is celebrated abroad by Muslim communities with a combination of traditional and local customs.
Many countries have large Eid prayers and feasts, with families gathering together to share food and gifts. In some places, the festivities can last for several days and may include cultural performances and events.
Eid festivities abroad typically involve a combination of traditional and local customs. Muslims in different countries may celebrate with large prayer gatherings, feasts, and gift-giving.
In some places, there are colorful cultural performances and events, such as parades and music concerts. Eid is a time for Muslims to come together in celebration and reflection.
#1. Attending communal prayers
Muslims in foreign countries often attend Eid prayer services at local mosques or community centers. These services are usually followed by a communal breakfast or lunch, where people gather to share food and celebrate together.
Attending communal prayers is a common way of celebrating Eid for many Muslims around the world. The prayers are usually held early in the morning on the first day of Eid and are attended by both men and women.
The prayers are often held in local mosques or community centers, and participants dress in their best clothes and recite special prayers to mark the occasion.
After the prayers, people often exchange Eid greetings and visit friends and family to share food and gifts. Attending communal prayers is a way to connect with the wider Muslim community and express gratitude for the blessings of the festival.
#2. Search for Local Eid Gatherings/Events
Check with local mosques, community centers, or cultural organizations to find out if there are any Eid events or gatherings planned in your area. Attending these events can be a great way to connect with others who share your cultural and religious background.
You can also search online for local events or check social media platforms for announcements. Additionally, you can ask friends or family members who live in the area if they know of any Eid events or gatherings.
#3. Host your own Eid Celebration
If there are no local Eid events planned, consider hosting your own celebration with friends and family.
You can prepare traditional Eid dishes, decorate your home, and exchange gifts and sweets. To host your own celebration, you can start by inviting friends and family to your home or a nearby park or public space.
Decorate the space with Eid decorations and prepare traditional dishes such as biryani, kebabs, and sweets. You can also exchange gifts and play games or engage in other forms of entertainment.
If you are unable to bring together a large group of people, consider hosting a small family gathering or inviting a few close friends. Regardless of the size of the gathering, the key is to create a warm and welcoming environment that reflects the spirit of Eid.
#4. Connect with Loved One’s Back Home
Use technology such as video calls or messaging apps to connect with loved one’s back home and be a part of the real celebration… at least digitally. You can exchange greetings, share photos and videos, and even participate in virtual prayer services together.
Connecting with loved one’s back home during Eid can be a wonderful way to share in the celebration, even if you are not physically together.
You can also send gifts or care packages to loved ones back home to express your love and appreciation.
Another way to connect with loved ones is to participate in online communities or social media groups that focus on Eid celebrations, where you can share your experiences and connect with people from around the world who share your cultural and religious background.
#5. Explore the local culture
Eid is a time of celebration and many cultures around the world have their own unique traditions and customs for the occasion. Take this opportunity to explore the local culture and learn about the way Eid is celebrated in your host country.
Exploring the local culture during Eid can be a fascinating and enriching experience. You can start by visiting local markets or bazaars where vendors sell traditional clothes, jewelry, and other items for Eid. You can also try local dishes and sweets that are popular during the festival, or attend cultural events such as music and dance performances.
Visiting local mosques or community centers can also provide opportunities to learn more about the local Muslim community and their traditions. Additionally, you can take part in local customs and practices, such as giving gifts to family and friends or participating in acts of community building.
Exploring the local culture during Eid can deepen your understanding and appreciation of the festival and its significance.
#6. Share the joy of Eid with others
Eid is a time of giving and sharing, and one way to celebrate abroad is to spread joy and goodwill to others in your community. You can volunteer at a local charity, donate to a good cause, or simply perform acts of kindness and generosity.
Overall, celebrating Eid abroad can be a rewarding and enriching experience. With a bit of creativity and open-mindedness, you can create new traditions and memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Sharing the joy of Eid with others can be a beautiful way to spread happiness and positivity. You can do this by reaching out to friends, neighbors, or coworkers who may not celebrate Eid and sharing some traditional dishes or sweets with them.
You can also participate in community service projects or make donations to local charities to help those in need.
Additionally, you can share your knowledge and experience of Eid with others, by explaining the significance of the festival and how it is celebrated. Small acts of kindness and generosity can go a long way in sharing the joy of Eid with others.
Eid is Eid… whether in Pakistan or Abroad
Muslims celebrate Eid in various ways in foreign countries, depending on their location and cultural practices. Here are some of the ways Muslims celebrate Eid in foreign countries. Eid is celebrated in various ways around the world, depending on cultural practices and traditions.
Some common ways of celebrating include attending communal prayers, organizing festivals, preparing traditional dishes, exchanging gifts, volunteering and giving to charity, and visiting family and friends.
The key is to embrace the spirit of the occasion and celebrate with joy and gratitude.
