HARAR CITY OF PEACE CELEBRATED SHEWAL EID

Harar a city of peace and the fourth holiest centre of Islam celebrated Shewal Eid in spectacular fashion. Imams led the night prayers. Streets of Harar were flooded with colourful clothing of young boys and girls. Melodious chants and music filled the air. It was an event not to be missed for any avid cultural traveller.

The day of Shewal Eid comes 6 days after Eid al-Fitr and it is a distinctive religious festival held especially in and around Harar. Shewal Eid, among the Harari is celebrated in the sense of providing an opportunity for women to celebrate their Eid with the entire community as a cultural feast. A subsequent 6 days of fasting always precede the holiday after Ramadan.
Shewal Eid is also considered a good time for young boys and girls to find a mate, making the festival one of the most anticipated by young boys and girls.