Eid al-Fitr at 'Puraani Dilli': A Day in Photos
Take a peek at the Eid festivities in Old Delhi.
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Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the month-long fast period. When the crescent moon shines through the night sky, it marks the advent of Eid. We're unsure if the moon can be clearly seen through Delhi's polluted air, but that has never deterred 'Dilliwalas' from celebrating Eid with full gusto, especially in 'Purani Dilli'.
Children at Jama Masjid, Delhi.
(Photo: Ribhu Chatterjee)
A woman praying at Jama Masjid, Delhi.
(Photo: Ribhu Chatterjee)
In the month of Ramadan, the lanes in front of Jama Masjid come alive; it bears a carnival-like atmosphere. The aroma of kebabs and biryani lures you to these jam-packed alleys.
Families and children are dressed in their festival best; no one misses out on the chance to flaunt their Eid fashion quotient.
A little cap shopper.
(Photo: Ribhu Chatterjee)
Shoppers choosing dry fruits.
(Photo: Ribhu Chatterjee)
Cool hijab's are in vogue.
(Photo: Ribhu Chatterjee)
During the fasting period, the 'azaan' starts at 5:15 pm. The entire masjid is filled with the devout. After 'wuzu' (washing their hands and feet), they enter the mosque. What's interesting is their synchronisation and the rhythm of the prayer. It gives a sense of oneness.
Performing wuzu.
(Photo: Ribhu Chatterjee)
A kid getting distracted during namaz.
(Photo: Ribhu Chatterjee)
Namaz inside Jama Masjid.
(Photo: Ribhu Chatterjee)
A little boy offering namaz.
(Photo: Ribhu Chatterjee)
To break the fast, the masjid offers free food to everyone – samosa, jalebi, banana, and dates. Around 6:55 pm, the official announcement is made for the iftar. That's when the fast is broken.
Food for those who are going to break their fast.
(Photo: Ribhu Chatterjee)
Food being served at Jama Masjid.
(Photo: Ribhu Chatterjee)
Family breaking their fast at Jama Masjid.
(Photo: Ribhu Chatterjee)
A little kid enjoying his juice.
(Photo: Ribhu Chatterjee)
Families on the eve of Eid at Jama Masjid.
(Photo: Ribhu Chatterjee)
In 'Puraani Dilli', the vibe of Eid hasn't changed for centuries. The old and the new co-exist here. Even now, when the faithful embrace each other with an 'Eid Mubarak', just for a moment, all the pain, hardship, and struggles of life are forgotten and they surrender themselves to the festivities. As they say, "Eid toh bahana hai, bas khushi manana hai."
Jama Masjid on the eve of Eid.
(Photo: Ribhu Chatterjee)
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