Eid follows a lunar calendar, meaning that Eid ul-Fitr moves forward (by about ten days) every year. In 2025, it is set to be celebrated on or around Sunday 30 or Monday 31 March, depending on the sighting of the moon. 

Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of the spiritual marathon that is the holy month of Rooza (Ramadan in Bengali). Rooza is a reminder that no matter how fast life may seem to be moving, there’s always a moment to pause, reflect, and be grateful for the blessings God has granted us. It is also a reminder of the importance of kindness and generosity. As Muslims, we are all encouraged to give to charity and reach out to those most in need both here in Leeds (which is home for me and my family) and further afield. 

For me, a British Bangladeshi Muslim, and the other 1.9 billion Muslims around the world, Eid ul-Fitr is an opportunity to celebrate, feast and share joy with loved ones. So, what will Eid ul-Fitr look like in the Miah home this year? In my Bengali culture, we start celebrating the day before, or as soon as the new moon is sighted. There will be a mad dash to get our Eid attire ready, wrap presents, and prepare a plethora of food. 

We’ll attend prayers on the morning of Eid, before returning home to consume copious amounts of sugary and oily foods – it just wouldn’t be Eid if we didn’t! A few foods that personify Eid and make mouths water in the Miah household are handesh (a deep-fried Bengali snack made from flour and date molasses), bora (a moreish savoury rice flour snack eaten with curry, or tomato ketchup in my case) and fafra/far far (a tapioca snack that is deep fried and covered in sugar). By now, I’m sure you’ve spotted a theme in what we like to indulge in. 

After this, the children will open their Eid gifts, before we welcome guests to our home and visit family and friends at theirs. The Eid ul-Fitr celebrations don’t stop until we have seen all those who we care about and love the most in our lives. 

My earliest memories of Eid involve large gatherings with family and friends, which I am now trying to replicate with my own children and family. Since the passing of my dear mother in 2023, my wife and I are determined to help our children make long-lasting memories of Eid, like those we have of the British Bangladeshi celebrations we experienced growing up. 

I’m looking forward to the Eid Ul-Fitr celebrations, and I hope everyone celebrating across the world enjoys a blessed time with their loved ones. From the Miah household to yours, Eid Mubarak! 

Salik Miah is a Lecturer in Primary Education at Leeds Trinity University.