The festival of Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast during daylight hours.
Eid al-Fitr is also known as the "Feast of Breaking the Fast", and its underlying purpose is to give thanks to God.
It falls at the start of the lunar month of Shawwal on the Islamic calendar, although the exact start date can depend on the sighting of the new moon.
Muslims flock for early morning prayers on Eid, many of them dressed in their best clothes.
Children receive presents, while greeting cards are often exchanged and many people adorn their homes with lights and other decorations.
Money and food are often given to the poor during Eid, and old wrongs are said to be forgiven.
Eid feasts, attended by friends and relatives, can last several days in some countries.
Sheer khurma (a dish of dates cooked in milk) is usually eaten in the morning of Eid al-Fitr.
Eid al-Fitr is also known as Id al-Fitr or Eid ul-Fitr, and not to be confused with the other main Muslim festival, Eid al-Adha, which falls in October and celebrates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his own son, Ishmael, on Allah's command.
