World Bulletin / News Desk

Millions across Muslim world mark the end of holy fasting month of Ramadan Muslims in Turkey and around the world are celebrating the end of the holy month of Ramadan with the festival of Eid al-Fitr after four weeks of fasting between dawn and dusk.

Eid al-Fitr is marked on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal. The date on which it begins is determined by a confirmed sighting of the new moon by Saudi Arabia, so the date may differ every year, according to International Business Times. This year, Eid falls on 5 or 6 July in many Muslim countries. Public holidays have been announced in several countries. Saudi Arabia will hold an 11-day Eid holiday, which started on 30 June. In Qatar, an 11-day public holiday began on 3 July. Oman and Pakistan will hold five and four-day public holidays respectively from 5 July.

Turkey will observe a nine-day public holiday from 2 July. Many Istanbul residents preferred to get away from the city's hustle and bustle. Those who remained in town took to the road to enjoy driving on the almost empty roads during the break.

Muslims dressed in fine clothing and performed special prayers at mosques before visiting their families and close friends. People celebrate the festival with traditional delicacies, particularly from Ottoman cuisine, in family gatherings. For Muslims, the celebration is a time of gratitude to Allah for the opportunity to complete the period of fasting.