What is Eid al-Fitr?

Traditions

Spending time with loved ones is a big part of Eid. In Indonesia, there is such a mass exodus from Jakarta to home villages that there is a name for the pilgrimage and resulting traffic jams: "Lebaran." The Jakarta Post reports that roughly one million people are expected to travel within the country for Eid.

Families gather around the table for festive meals and sweets and often exchange gifts. In Egypt, and elsewhere, lanterns known as fanouz are hung throughout the city. Food is given out in the streets and there are feasts for the poor, often paid for by wealthy businessmen.

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