Did You Know?
Facts, Figures & Folklore
About Hindu Festival of Light
Oct 14 : 03 days to Diwali

Did you know that Hinduism is the third largest religion, with over one billion adherents?

Christianity and Islam outpace Hinduism in worldwide numbers with 2.1 billion Christians and 1.5 million Muslims.

Diwali, or the “festival of lights” is celebrated by Hindus across India and the huge Hindu diaspora spread all over the world. This multi-day festival, whose name literally means “row of lighted lamps“, is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm between late October and November. It’s their most important festival in the annual calendar. Join us as we present a new “Did You Know?” fact each day as we countdown to Diwali.

Diwali begins Saturday October 17th, 2009

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Eid-Al-Fitr / Eid ul-Fitr / EID (Celebrating the Fast – Islamic)
Almost two billion Muslims around the world celebrate Eid ul-Fitr (eed al-fitter), the three-day festival commonly known as “Eid.” “Eid ul-Fitr” literally means the feast of the breaking/to break the fast. The holiday marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and is a culmination of the month-long struggle towards a higher spiritual state.

Eid-Al-Fitr began last night at sunset

source: Ramadan on the Net - Eid ul-Fitr

photo credit: EID Prayers – Ashish T via flikr

Did You Know?
Facts, Figures & Folklore
About Ramadan &
the Islamic Faith
September 19-20

Did you know that the end of the month of Ramadan is marked with a joyous festival called Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr (EID) literally means the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” during which many Muslims partake in elaborate feasts. They also wear their finest clothes, exchange gifts, while simultaneously increasing their almsgiving.

EID begins tonight, Sept. 19, at sunset. EID MUBARAK!

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The White House has released the following statement from President Barack Obama to mark the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid-ul-Fitr:

“As Muslims in the United States and around the world complete the month of Ramadan and celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, Michelle and I would like to extend our personal greetings on this joyous occasion. Eid is a time to celebrate the completion of 30 days and nights of devotion. But even on this festive occasion, Muslims remember those less fortunate, including those impacted by poverty, hunger, conflict, and disease. Throughout the month, Muslim communities collect and distribute zakat-ul-fitr so that all Muslims are able to participate in this day of celebration. As I said in Cairo, my Administration is working to ensure that Muslims are able to fulfill their charitable obligations not just during Ramadan, but throughout the year. On behalf of the American people, we congratulate Muslims in the United States and around the world on this blessed day. Eid Mubarak.”

From the Whitehouse.gov Blog:

Over the past month, the President and several government Agencies participated in events to mark Ramadan – the President continued the tradition of hosting an Iftar here at the White House while the U.S. Department of Agriculture hosted the first in their history. The Corporation for National and Community Service spearheaded “Interfaith Service Week” as part of the President and First Lady’s Summer of Service initiative and many other groups and individuals came together to make this month a time of giving and reaching out to our neighbors in need.

The President and the First Lady extend their personal greetings on this special day. May you be well throughout the year.

Today, Secretary Clinton delivered a message for Eid-ul-Fitr.

Here is the transcript of the Secretary’s remarks:

“Hello, and Eid Mubarak. I’m delighted to celebrate the end of Ramadan by wishing all of you a happy Eid. In 1996, my husband and I were privileged to host the first ever White House Eid celebration, which has now become a tradition. And this year, I hosted an Iftar at the State Department, with Muslims and non-Muslims attending. We hope that reinforces every year that all faiths have a home here in the United States.

For Muslims all over the world, Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of a holy month of fasting and prayer. This time of self-reflection reminds us that the values of Islam – charity, community, cooperation, compassion – are values which we hold dear as Americans and which have contributed so much to American culture.

As President Obama said in Cairo, the United States seeks a new beginning with Muslims around the world, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect. We know there is more that unites peoples of faith than divides us. So as Ramadan draws to a close, let us hold on to that spirit of community throughout the year to achieve our common goals of peace, prosperity, and stability. And I wish all of you a very happy year as well. Thank you.”

Visit the State Department’s Blog for transcript translations in these languages:
Arabic, Indonesia, Chinese, Dari, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Malay, Pashto, Persian, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, & Urdu