Grozny townspeople note nuances of Eid al-Fitr celebration

In Chechnya, celebrations of Eid al-Fitr (Uraza-Bairam) began on May 13, while Grozny residents began preparing for the holiday in advance. On May 11, women-civil servants were given a day off so that they could set festive tables.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the leadership of Chechnya announced three days off in connection with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr; and the authorities of Dagestan – two days off. In Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia, only May 13 was declared a day off.

Residents of Chechnya told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent about the traditions of celebrating Eid al-Fitr.

In the family of Said-Magomed, a labour veteran from Grozny, the holiday of fast-breaking began earlier than the Mufti had recommended. "Muslims are guided not by the solar, but by the lunar calendar, therefore the date of Eid al-Fitr is shifted annually. This year, the holiday of breaking the fast is celebrated on May 13; and to be precise, it begins at sunset at night on May 13 – the first day of the new moon. Thus, I began receiving congratulations on Eid al-Fitr after sunset on May 12," he said.

According to Razet, a civil servant, for women-state servants of the republic, May 11 was declared another day off. "We, women, were given the opportunity to prepare everything for the festive table, because all the three days of the Eid al-Fitr holiday, each family will receive guests. Men will visit relatives, friends, congratulate each other, and women should be at home and welcome guests, treat them with dishes specially prepared for this holiday," Ms Razet said.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on May 13, 2021 at 03:05 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.