What is Eid al-Fitr and how is it celebrated?

Eid Mubarak! The feast of Eid-al-Fitr is when Muslims around the world mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Eid al-Fitr (also known as Eid ul-Fitr) means 'festival of the breaking of the fast' and is the end of the period where Muslims fast - refusing food and drink - between dawn and sunset.

The actual date of Eid al-Fitr is decided by the cycle of the Moon, following the start of Ramadan.

Eid al-Fitr begins when a new moon appears in the evening sky, which means that Eid isn't always on the same day or date each year.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan: A month of fasting from dawn to sunset, as well as spiritual reflection.

For Muslims all over the world, it's a time of celebration and prayer and for enjoying time with friends and family, sharing meals and exchanging gifts.

The day starts with prayers, and the main celebration is a special meal eaten during the hours of daytime (for the first time since Ramadan began).

There are other ways Muslims celebrate too, including:

These include: