KDP President Masoud Barzani congratulates Muslims on Eid al-Fitr

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) President Masoud Barzani on Tuesday wished a happy holiday to all Muslims in Kurdistan, Iraq, and the world for the Ramadan feast (aka Eid al-Fitr), according to a statement from Barzani Headquarters.

“I extend our sincere congratulations to all Muslims of the world, including Iraq and Kurdistan, on the occasion of the Ramadan feast. We send our best wishes to the families of martyrs, the heroic Peshmergas, and all Kurdish citizens,” the statement read.

KDP President Masoud Barzani hoped that this feast would bring peace and happiness to the people of Kurdistan and around the world.

Pshtiwan Sadiq, the Kurdistan Region's Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, announced in a press conference on Monday that Tuesday will be counted as the last day of Ramadan due to the visibility of the crescent moon in the Kurdistan Region. Therefore, Wednesday would be the first of Eid al-Fitr.

Religious authorities in most Muslim-majority nations typically declare the exact Ramadan schedule, which can vary a day or so depending on the visible stations of the moon, for all those within its borders. In Iraq, however, the faithful from different sects – or in this case, the Kurdistan Region – often end up beginning and ending their month of fasting on divergent dates.

Following the feast sermons, families gather around a table, enjoying a heavy breakfast meal consisting of rice, different kinds of stews, and red and white meat. Candies, nuts, sweets, caffeinated beverages, and juices are also served as part of the hospitality.

Preparations for the feast in the Region start at least a week earlier as people flock to the markets to buy new outfits for the festival. Some people wear traditional Kurdish clothes while others stick to modern clothing.

Kids are given a sum of money as Eid gifts by their relatives and parents before visiting playgrounds and parks to meet their friends.