Muslims celebrate 'Eid al Fitr on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, following the month of Ramadan. According to the Lunar calendar, Muslims mark the beginning of the month of Shawwal with the sighting of the new crescent. The month long fasting of Ramadan culminates into the festival of 'Eid al-Fitr.

Eid al-Fitr is a festival of joy, family reunion and thanksgiving to Almighty Allah. The three days religious festival of Eid al-Fitr celebrates the end of Ramadan, a month of prayer and of abstinence from eating, drinking, smoking, and marital relations from sunrise to sunset.

Eid al-Fitr in Pakistan is known as "chhoti (small) or meethi (sweet) Eid". Gifts are exchanged. Friends and family gather to pray in congregation.

Eid al-Fitr also entails a religious obligation to offer charity in a fixed amount. Before the Eid prayer begins, every Muslim who is able must pay "Fitrana" or "Zakat al Fitr", a sum to be donated for the month of Ramadan, to impoverished Muslims. It can either be in the form of cash or basic foodstuff, including wheat, barley, dates, raisins, etc. This equates to about 2 kilograms (4.4 lb) of wheat or its cash equivalent. This is distributed to needy local Muslims prior to the start of the Eid prayer. It can be given at any time during the month of Ramadan and is often given early, so the recipient can use it for Eid purchases.

The Takbir is recited after having confirmation that the moon of Shawwal is sighted on the eve of the last day of Ramadan. It continues until the start of the Eid prayer The Takbir consists of:

The most important observances of Eid al-Fitr generally take place on the first day. All muslims wear new clothes on this occasion or at least neat and clean clothes and go to say special prayer of Eid al-Fitr to Mosque just after dawn. Muslims take part in communal prayers in the morning after the dawn, at a mosque or in an open space outside their city or town. After saying prayer, the Imam (the leader) gives an address (Khutbah) to people. The khutbah (sermon) also instructs Muslims regarding the performance of rituals of Eid and other Islamic teachings. Khutbah is followed by a supplication "dua" asking for forgiveness, mercy and help for all living beings across the world. After that people hug and greet each other and say "Eid Mubarik". After the prayers, some people also pay visits to the graveyards, (ziyarat al-qubur).

Eid al-fitr is the day of celebration for all the Muslims with Eid Wishes everywhere. A lot of arrangements and preparations are done so many days before the event of Eid Al-Fitr. During Eid al-Fitr cities, towns, and villages are decorated to mark the joy and festivity. The markets also remain open and decorated on the occasion of Eid for all the Muslims to do their shopping.

People put on their best clothes, usually new clothes and greet neighbors, relatives, and friends at the mosque or on the street, exchanging hugs and wishing one another "Eid Mubarak". Children receive "Eidi", presents or gifts of money from their parents and other relatives. Eid al-Fitr is also a time for visiting friends and relatives.

Sending Eid-greetings to friends and relatives are customary on this occasion throughout the Muslim world. Exchange of special Eid cards is to show affection for the near and dear ones.

The following are some of the things a person is recommended to do on Eid day.