• Unwrapping how Sri Lankans celebrate Eid

Eid, which is expected to fall on March 21, is once again upon us. The celebration, which marks the end of Ramadan, is celebrated by the Muslim community both in Sri Lanka and worldwide. 

“Eid is a celebration of the sacrifices and piety of the month of Ramadan,” Nida Ahmed,28, told The Daily Morning Brunch. “It reminds us of our role as Muslims.”

Following Ahmed’s comments, The Daily Morning Brunch spoke to devotees on the spirit and celebration of Eid. 

Cultural cuisine 

While many of us are foodies at heart, Eid gives our tables a mix of tradition and modernity.

“I am a huge foodie so I definitely am excited for the Eid table,” Akmal Afzal,26, said. “I love gulab jamuns and wattalapan so I definitely look forward to what my mother, sister and sister in law will have made.”

Preparation often begins the night before, with families working together in the kitchen. Sweet dishes such as wattalapan and gulab jamun are served alongside savoury favourites like biryani, samosas and cutlets.For many, these meals are tied to memory.

 “My grandmother used to make the best biryani,” Salmah Rizna, 29, said. “Even now, we try to follow her recipe every Eid. And I also try to honor my mother, who passed away last year, by including her recipes in our table.” 

Others are also adding variety to the table. 

“We still make the traditional food, but sometimes we try new desserts,”  Amina Faiz, 24, said. 

Food is also shared beyond the household. Families often send dishes to neighbours and friends, regardless of religion. 

“Even our non-Muslim neighbours look forward to Eid,” Ahmed Ismail,31, said. “We always send food over and they are so grateful to try our food.”

Family and values

Eid is also a time for family gatherings. Many begin the day with prayers, followed by visits to relatives.

“For me, Eid is really about family,” Rizna said. “We wake up early, get dressed in new clothes and go for prayers together. After that, it’s a full day of visiting relatives.”

Meanwhile, charity remains a key part of Eid. The giving of Zakat al-Fitr ensures that those in need can also celebrate.

“It’s about making sure everyone has something to celebrate with,” Ismail said.

Ismail noted that families distribute food, clothing and donations ahead of Eid prayers, reinforcing the importance of community support.

“We were always encouraged to give back and serve the community and Eid is the perfect time to do that,” he said. 

Blending tradition with modern life

While traditions remain strong, Eid celebrations are evolving. Younger generations are incorporating modern elements, from fashion to social media.

“There’s definitely a modern touch now,” Mifla Sajjaad,31,said. “We still keep traditions but we also share the day online with friends.”

Despite these changes, many say the core values of Eid remain unchanged.

“I’m happy that the traditions of Eid are still intact,” Sajjaad said. “My husband and I do our best to preserve them because we want our son to experience the beauty of Eid and to know the importance of the celebration.” 

The spirit of renewal

At its core, Eid represents renewal after a month of fasting and reflection.

“It feels like a fresh start,” Ahmed said. “Ramadan teaches patience and humility and Eid is a celebration of that.”

For many Muslims, Eid is not just a single day of celebration but a continuation of the values practiced during Ramadan;generosity, discipline and gratitude.

As families gather, share meals and give back to their communities, Eid in Sri Lanka reflects a balance of faith, culture and everyday life.