Idul Fitri marks the end of Ramadan. It is a period of three days in which families and friends come together to share food and company, and celebrate the end of their one-month fasting. We have had the pleasure of experiencing this holiday firsthand in the village of  Ciapaganti.

Fasting

All month, the villagers of Cipaganti have been fasting during the daytime. From about  5:30 am to 5:30pm they do not indulge in any food, water, or cigarettes.  From an outsider’s perspective, this seems extremely difficult! Work and daily life continue, yet fasting happens every single day. Exceptions occur for the elderly, sick, and young, who may only fast for half the day or not at all.  Farmers who work all day in the hot sun, laborers who are on their feet and sweating all day long, abstain from water and food.

Why do this you might ask?  As I have had it explained to me, people fast in order to become more grateful for all the good things they have in their lives. For others around the world, food and water are more difficult to obtain. By fasting during Ramadan, people are able to experience the difficulties of others and be thankful for the blessings in their lives.

Idul Fitri

This is the period that marks the end of Ramadan – a happy and loud time where everyone comes together to eat delicious home-made food. There are sweets, meats, and many rice-based dishes, as well as loud music and fireworks. Children run through the streets lighting firecrackers and flying kites. Families from far away come together, as well as neighbors just next door. Everyone is free to visit each other’s homes to laugh, share stories, and be happy. We have been welcomed here and are extremely grateful to have been invited to share in this joyous occasion. Even though we are foreigners and not Muslim, people are happy to share with us their food and company! ELLA BROWN