Celebrating Eid with Friends

Rahul's neighbour Imran invites him to celebrate Eid, where Rahul enjoys sheer khurma, sees new clothes, and learns about the traditions of the festival.

Meanings in Rahul, Imran (neighbour), Imran's family

Key words and phrases

Eidan important Islamic festival celebrated after RamadanImran's family invited Rahul to celebrate Eid.

sheer khurmaa sweet vermicelli dish made for EidRahul loved the sheer khurma Imran's mother made.

Eidimoney or gifts given to children on EidImran received Eidi from all his elders.

new clothesfresh clothing worn to celebrate a festivalEveryone wore new clothes for Eid prayers.

mosquea place of worship for MuslimsThe family went to the mosque for Eid prayers.

greetto welcome someone with kind wordsThey greeted each other with "Eid Mubarak."

feasta large, special meal shared with othersThe Eid feast had many delicious dishes.

hospitalitythe friendly treatment of guestsRahul was touched by their warm hospitality.

traditiona custom passed down over generationsSharing food with neighbours is an important tradition.

inviteto ask someone to join an eventImran invited Rahul to celebrate Eid with his family.

hennaa reddish-brown dye used to decorate hands with patternsImran's sister applied henna on her hands for Eid.

prayer mata small mat used for prayingImran's father laid out his prayer mat before leaving for the mosque.

charitygiving money or help to those in needMuslims give charity to the poor before Eid prayers.

crescent moonthe thin curved moon that marks the start of EidFamilies watch for the crescent moon to know when Eid begins.

biryania spiced rice dish cooked with meat or vegetablesImran's mother cooked delicious biryani for the Eid feast.

kurtaa long loose shirt worn in South AsiaImran wore a new white kurta for Eid.

guesta person invited to someone's homeRahul felt welcomed as a special guest in Imran's home.

blessinggood wishes or divine favourElders gave their blessings to the children on Eid.

shareto give a part of something to othersIt is a tradition to share sweets with neighbours on Eid.

neighboura person who lives nearbyImran is Rahul's neighbour and close friend.

Useful sentences

Ask What is Eid celebrated for?
Answer It marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Ask Can I try some sheer khurma?
Answer Of course, here's a bowl for you.
Ask Did you get Eidi from your grandparents?
Answer Yes, I got Eidi from all my elders today.
Ask What should I say to greet everyone?
Answer You can say "Eid Mubarak" to everyone.
Ask Are you going to the mosque for prayers?
Answer Yes, we're leaving in the morning.
Ask What is henna used for during Eid?
Answer It's used to decorate hands with beautiful patterns.
Ask Did your mother cook biryani for the feast?
Answer Yes, she made a big pot of biryani this morning.
Ask Why do people give charity before Eid prayers?
Answer It helps the poor celebrate Eid too.
Ask How do you know when Eid will start?
Answer We watch for the crescent moon in the sky.
Ask Where did you buy your new kurta?
Answer My father bought it from the market last week.

Dialogue

ImranEid Mubarak, Rahul! Come, join our family feast.

RahulEid Mubarak, Imran! Thank you for inviting me.

Imran's MotherPlease try the sheer khurma, Rahul, I made it fresh this morning.

RahulThis is delicious! Thank you for your wonderful hospitality.

ImranI got some Eidi from my grandparents today, look!

RahulThat's wonderful! I love learning about your traditions.

ImranCome, let's have some biryani before you leave.

RahulI'd love to! Your mother's cooking is amazing.

Imran's MotherTake some sweets home for your family too, Rahul.

RahulThank you so much for such a memorable Eid.

Common mistakes

Saying "give Eid greetings" instead of the traditional phrase "wish Eid Mubarak" or simply "say Eid Mubarak."
Saying "Eid festival" repeatedly when just "Eid" is enough, since Eid already means a festival.
Saying "eat the feast" instead of "have the feast" or "join the feast."
Saying "I did Eid" instead of "I celebrated Eid" when talking about observing the festival.
Saying "donate charity" instead of simply "give charity" or "donate money," since "donate" already implies giving.
Saying "wear new dress" instead of "wear new clothes" when talking about festival clothing in general.

Quick quiz

1. What is "Eidi"?

2. What does Eid mark the end of?

3. Complete: "Sharing food with neighbours is an important ___."

4. What is henna used for?

5. What helps families know when Eid begins?

6. What is 'biryani'?

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