The origins of the history of Eid date back to the 7th century CE during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad, marking a significant period in Islamic history.

Eid-al-Fitr is celebrated to mark the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and reflection, which sees its initial inscriptions in the Quran. The celebration of Eid-al-Fitr is believed to have begun after the migration of the Prophet Mohammed from Mecca to Medina around the year 624 CE.

Eid-al-Adha is also known as the festival of sacrifice and is celebrated as a mark of respect for the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of his devotion to Allah. It was also believed to have been instituted by Prophet Muhammad after Hijra or his migration. It is believed to have coincided with the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, which is also known as one of the five pillars of Islam.

While Islam started across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe between the 7th and 13th centuries, it is believed to have reached the Indian subcontinent through trade, conquest, and cultural exchange around the 15th century. The celebrations were popularised in India through Mughal emperors like Akbar and Shahjahan as they integrated Islamic practises into the cultural life of their courts. 

Eid-al-Fitr is a time of celebration and gratitude, which symbolises spiritual renewal and the fulfilment of their fasting journey. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset as they abstain from food, drinks, and any wrongdoings. This Eid Tradition is called  Sawm, which is not just a physical act but also a spiritual and mental exercise that instils values of self-control, self-discipline, and empathy for the less fortunate. Eid-al-Fitr celebrates the completion of the spiritual journey and is the day to give gratitude to Allah for the strength he provided every devotee to fulfil the obligations of Ramadan. Charity is a central aspect of Eid-al-Fitr, and Muslims are required to pay Zakat Al-Fitr, a form of almsgiving, before the prayer. People come together in mosques and open grounds to perform the Salat al-Eid or the Eid prayer, emphasising the brotherhood and unity of the community. People visit the graves of their deceased relatives to honour their memory and pray for their souls as they recite verses from the Quran. This ritual is also known as Ziyarat. It is a day that encourages people to mend broken relationships, forgive past grievances, and strengthen their family and social bonds.

Eid-al-Adha is known as the feast of sacrifice, which is celebrated two months after Eid-al-Fitr and coincides with the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage. It enshrines the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. It symbolises the importance of trusting in Allah's wisdom while being prepared to make personal sacrifices in his service. The ritual of animal sacrifice or Qurbani on Eid-al-Adha reflects Prophet Ibrahim’s act of devotion. It is believed that people who can afford to do so sacrifice goats, sheep, cows, or camels whose meat is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for the relatives, and one for the poor and needy. They also give children eidi which is a traditional practice of giving money or presents. The act of sharing is a reflection of the themes of generosity, charity, and social equality, which are central to Islamic teachings. This day also marks the end of the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. It is believed that those who perform the Hajj culminate their spiritual journey on Eid-al-Adha as they embody the principles of equality, sacrifice, and submission to Allah. They perform different rituals and traditions like Tawaf and Sa’i, which are deeply symbolic of their devotion and commitment to God.

In cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Hyderabad, Eid celebrations are marked by large numbers of people gathering at mosques like Jama Masjid to offer their prayers and host community feasts. Historical sites, bazaars, and neighbourhoods are decorated with lights to reflect the festive spirit. In Kerala, Eid prayers are held in extensive open grounds called Eidgahs and incorporate traditional cuisine as an integral part of the celebration. In cities like Mumbai, people visit mosques for prayers and then celebrate Eid feasts in areas like Mohammed Ali Road, which offer a variety of traditional dishes, making it ideal for diverse and inclusive celebrations. In West Bengal and Assam, Eid's significance lies in its prayers, feasts, cultural performances, and traditional sweets and dishes that reflect the region's culinary heritage.

Eid delicacies like sheer korma, a sweet dish made with milk, vermicelli, and dates, are integral aspects of the feasts. Other delicacies like Biryani, chicken and mutton dishes, and sweets like kheer are served on this day. 

To mark the celebration of the most significant Islamic festival, men and women adorn their best traditional attire to reflect a blend of their cultural heritage, religious significance, and regional influences.

Women are seen wearing traditional salwar kameez, which consists of a long tunic called the kameez and is paired with baggy trousers known as the salwar, often accompanied by a matching dupatta. It finds its roots in the Indian subcontinent with influences from Persian and Mughal styles. They are ornate with embellishments like Gota Patti, mirror work and Zardozi to add a festive touch, making it a popular choice for Eid. Contemporary designs also include straight-cut salwars or palazzos. 

Named after the legendary Anarkali, the Anarkali suit is characterised by its long and flowy kameez, which has a fitted bodice and is often paired with a churidar and a dupatta. The Anarkali suit dates back to the Mughal empire and represents grace and elegance. It is made of fabrics like silk, georgette, and chiffon and is embellished with intricate embroidery, beadwork, and sequins.

Women also wear a sharara or a gharara set. Sharara is a pair of wide-legged pants that resembles a skirt and is paired with a short kurti and dupatta. A gharara is similar but has a defined flare that is panelled around the knee. They are made with a range of fabrics like lightweight georgettes or heavy brocades and are often embellished with Zari, Zardozi, mirror work, and lace.

Most of the traditional attire worn during Eid in India holds a great Islamic and Mughal influence, characterised by elegance, modesty, and intricate craftsmanship. The textiles used for the traditional attire worn during Eid range from homegrown silks like Banarasi, Chanderi, and Tusser to different kinds of cotton like Khadi, Chikankari, and Jamdani. 

The traditional attire for men is predominantly a kurta pyjama. It has been influenced by the Persian and Mughal periods and has been a staple of Muslim men’s fashion for centuries due to its modesty and comfort. It usually has embroidery like Chikankari or Zardozi, making the outfit more festive. Men are also seen wearing a Sherwani, traditionally accompanied by a turban or a topi. They also wear a Pathani suit, which consists of a kurta with a salwar and is associated with the Pashtun culture. It is a blend of Central Asian and South Asian fashion elements. 

The jewellery and accessories worn by men and women as they celebrate Eid are a visual manifestation of cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and symbolic significance.

Women wear traditional jhumkas with filigree work during the festivities of Eid. They are usually made from gold or silver and embellished with semi-precious stones or enamel work. They wear a headpiece called a maangtikka, made of gold or silver and decorated with gemstones. Women also wear gold, silver, lac, and glass bangles or choodiyan around their wrists, decorated with stones or enamel work, along with payals around their ankles with tiny bells typically made of silver. They wear elaborate necklaces like the Ranihaar and layered with chokers adorned with intricate designs and gemstones. 

Men wear a turban or a headcap, which is a part of the traditional attire in most Islamic cultures. They also wear a Kara, a traditional bracelet usually made of gold or silver. They wear a brooch or a chaabi as a decorative pin on the lapel of their Sherwani and turban. It is made of silver or gold and decorated with gemstones, pearls, and enamel work. It adds a touch of luxury to the attire and is considered a generational heirloom passed down in the family.

The landscape of India changes vividly as communities around the subcontinent celebrate Eid by creating an atmosphere of joy, warmth, and unity. The decorations done during Eid reflect the community's cultural identity and are a space to showcase traditional craftsmanship and symbolise the festival's values.

One of the most central elements of Eid decor is the decorative lighting, which symbolises joy and celebration while dispelling darkness. All homes, mosques, and streets are decorated with strings of fairy lights, lanterns, and candles to create a festive ambience. Traditional lanterns are often made of paper or glass, hung from ceilings, or placed on tables. They are also known as fanous and come in various designs and shapes. The lighting contributes in creating a welcoming environment for friends, family, and neighbours to join in the festivities.

To add natural beauty and fragrance to homes and community spaces, fresh flowers in floral arrangements like bouquets, garlands, and floral centrepieces are commonly seen in every home. Flowers like roses, marigolds, and jasmine are used for their vibrant colours and pleasant fragrance. Flower petals are used to create intricate rangoli designs on the floors at the entrance to represent beauty and prosperity.

Since communal feasting is at the centre of the celebrations for Eid, traditional textiles and fabrics are essential decor items used as tablecloths and napkins. Decorative cushions and throws made from silk, brocade, and velvet are placed on sofas and chairs to enhance the comfort and aesthetics of homes. 

An integral part of Eid decor is Islamic calligraphy, manifested as verses from the Quran on wall hangings and frames. They serve as a visual reminder of faith and devotion and foster a sense of cultural identity and pride amongst the community. Other hanging ornaments like stars and crescents representing Islam are commonly used as wall decor, made from metal, wood, or paper. Synonymous with Islamic culture, ittar or fragrances in the form of incense sticks and aromatic oils are used to create a pleasant and inviting ambience. Scents like rose, sandalwood, musk, and oud are the most popular choices.

Eid is truly an embodiment of Islamic culture, reflecting the themes of harmony, unity, and shared heritage, which fosters communal bonding.