An Introduction to Hari Raya Aidilfitri....

The Islamic holiday of Eid ul-Fitr (Arabic: عيد الفطر) marks the end of Ramadan, celebrated upon the sighting of the new moon. It is one of the two Eid festivals in the Islamic year (the other being Eid ul-Adha). The Prophet Muhammad celebrated the first Eid with his companions after a victory in the Battle of Badr.

It's also referred to as the Little or Small Bayram (which originates from Turkish), or the "Little" or "Small Feast".

This holiday follows the month of Ramadan, falling on the first day of Shawwal (the tenth month in the Islamic calendar). As with all months in the Islamic calendar, it begins with the sighting of the new moon. For this reason there may be regional differences in the exact date of Eid, with some Muslims fasting for 29 days and some for 30 days.

Eid ul-Fitr commemorates the end of the month of Ramadan. Fasting is forbidden on this day as it marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan. A Muslim is encouraged to rise early and partake of some dates or a light, sweet snack, significant because for the past 30 days they have abstained from all food and drink from dawn till dusk. It may come as a surprise to many non-Muslims, but many people feel a sense of loss or sadness at the passing of Ramadan.

Still, after the purification of Ramdan, this is a time for extended families and communities to get together and it is one of the biggest feasts in the muslim calendar.

Traditions and Practices
Muslims are encouraged to dress in their best clothes, new if possible, and to attend a special Eid prayer that is performed in congregation at mosques. Before the prayer the congregation recites the Takbiir:

Allahu akbarullahu, akbarullahu akbar
la illaha illa Allah,
Allahu akbarullahu, akbar
w'al i'llah h'ilhamd
God is Greatest, God is Greatest, God is Greatest
There is no god but [the One] God
God is Greatest, God is Greatest
and to Him goes all praise
The Takbiir is recited after the Fajr (morning) prayer and until the start of the Eid prayer. Before the Eid prayer begins every Muslim (man, women or child) must pay Zakat al Fitr, an alms for the month of Ramadan. This equates to about 2 kg of a basic foodstuff (wheat, barley, dates, raisins, etc.), or its cash equivalent, and is (typically) collected at the mosque. This is distributed by the mosque to needy local Muslims prior to the start of the Eid prayer. It can be given anytime during the month of Ramadan and is often given early, so the recipient can utilise it for Eid purchases. This is distinct to Zakat based on their wealth which must be paid to a worthy charity. This is calculated at 2.5% of their wealth.

The Eid prayer is followed by the khutba (sermon) and then a prayer asking for forgiveness, mercy and help for the plight of Muslims across the world. It is then customary to embrace the persons sitting on either side of you as well as your relatives, friends and acquaintances.

Children are normally given gifts or money. Women (particularly relations) are normally given special gifts by their loved ones. Eid is also the time for reconcilliations. Feuds or disputes, especially between family members, are often settled on Eid.

Eid ul-Fitr in Indonesia
In Indonesian the feast is named Idul Fitri. Sometimes, there are different statements on when the day falls, especially between Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama, because people use different techniques to determine it. Almost all of the people follows the government of Indonesia's statement and the different times have never sparked any riots or protests. This event is recognized as national holiday and starts a few days before Idul Fitri and lasts some days after it. Schools also have different schedule for the holiday as many Islamic schools usually make it a longer holiday.

Another Idul Fitri tradition in Indonesia is mudik that usually applies to urbans who came to Jakarta from Java or other islands in Indonesia. Before Idul Fitri comes, people will go back to their hometowns where their relatives, sometimes including their parents, reside. This event often causes crowding in airports, seaports, and bus stations while some who are travelling by car are trapped in the traffic jam for hours. For little children, asking for money as well as forgiveness from relatives is common to motivate them. Many, especially in the cities, also use the term angpau for the money just like Chinese people do.

Eid ul-Fitr in Malaysia and Singapore
In neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore, it is also commonly known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Eid ul-Fitr in India and Pakistan
In Pakistan the celebration the night before Eid is called Chand Raat, or night of the moon. Women often dance and paint each other with henna tatoos. One of the special dishes in India, Pakistan and Fiji is savayya, a dish of fine, toasted vermicelli noodles.

Eid ul-Fitr in Iran
In the predominately Shia culture of Iran, Eid is a highly personal event, and celebrations are often more muted.

Article taken from : http://www.wikipedia.org