Taj Mahal with Milky Way in the background in Agra, India

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The festival of breaking the fast. Taj Mahal, India

Today we are celebrating Eid al-Fitr, also called the ‘festival of breaking the fast’. It marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad got his revelation of the Quran (Islamic holy book) during Ramadan, making it the holiest month of the Islamic calendar. It’s why they're encouraged to practice religious duties like fasting during this time, which is one of the five pillars central to the Islam faith.

Every year, on Eid al-Fitr, Muslims from over the country arrive at the historic Taj Mahal in Agra to offer prayers at the royal mosque of the monument. The festival is celebrated by sharing sweets among family, friends, and communities. It is a merry moment for Muslims to thank Allah for giving them the strength to fast and reflect on all the aspects of life they're grateful to have.