The whole month of Ramadan is a period of internal reflection and meditation. (Photo: Udayshankar S | Express Photo Service)Most of the Muslim world kickstarted festivities on Sunday but because the holiday is set by Islam's lunar calendar and depends on the sighting of the new moon as well as time zones, few countries like India and Pakistan celebrate it a day later, which is today. (Photo: Ashwin Prasath | Express Photo Service)Once Eid begins, the celebrations can last for up to three days in most countries. (Photo: P Ravindra Babu | Express Photo Service)HOW EID IS CELEBRATED: During daytime, Muslims gather in large open spaces or mosques for special prayers, called Salat al-Eid, usually followed by a small breakfast, their first daytime meal in a month. (Photo: Shekhar Yadav | Express Photo Service)Customs involve the giving of gifts and alms and the donning of new clothes, symbolising a spiritual and religious renewal. Food is an important aspect as lavish feasting follows the long fasting period. (Photo: M K Ashok Kumar | Express Photo Service)This year's Eid is being celebrated amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East -- the civil war in Syria, the diplomatic crisis surrounding Qatar and the recent spate of terrorist attacks in Europe, heightening anti-Muslim sentiments across the world -- but the holy festival marks a time when communities come together with the common goal of promoting peace and love among human beings. (Photo: Romani Agarwal| Express Photo Service)
