Eid ul Fitr

Eid ul Fitr is a major Islamic festival for Muslims around the world.

It is a joyous occasion that marks the ending of the month-long fasting of Ramadan. It starts with the sighting of the new moon.

This year it will begin at sunset on Thursday 14 June and end on the evening of Friday 15 June.

While it is not a national holiday in Britain, it has been celebrated for many recent years as a huge festival in Trafalgar Square, where a variety of entertainments, stands and activities are organised by Muslim communities.

During Ramadan itself, it is obligatory for all Muslims, with the exception of children, the sick, elderly or pregnant, to fast from dawn until sunset for a month. During this period, followers will spend time on spiritual reflection and more frequent prayers as they seek to become closer to God. There is an emphasis on forgiveness, and they will also focus on helping others and giving to charitable causes. Their fasting reminds them of the less fortunate, poor or hungry people in the world.