Dubai, Oct 22: Gulf countries will celebrate the first day of the Muslim feast Eid ul-Fitr today, marking the end of holy month of Ramadan.
Authorities of Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain have announced that Eid will begin today.
Yemen, Kuwait and Qatar also announced that the feast would start on Monday.
Eid ul-Fitr falls immediately after Ramadan, the holy month when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk.
Ramadan can last either 29 or 30 days, depending on when the first Moon of the next lunar month is sighted.
All the major Gulf countries have announced national holiday for Eid.
In UAE, shops and malls were crowded last evening with people making last minute purchases. A festive atmosphere enveloped the country as residents bought sweets, clothes and gifts for family and friends.
The first day of Eid ul-Fitr begins with early morning prayers, and huge crowds turn out at mosques across the world.
Bureau Report
