EID IS LIKELY ON SATURDAY, SHOPPING IN FULL SWING

EID IS LIKELY ON SATURDAY, SHOPPING IN FULL SWING

20-MARCH-ENG 3

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BHABHUA--------------------------It is anticipated that Eid—the most significant festival for Muslims in India—will be celebrated on Saturday, March 21, 2026. In light of the upcoming Eid festivities, sales of new clothing, prayer caps, fruits, and various varieties of vermicelli are currently booming.

Eid-ul-Fitr is regarded as a highly significant festival for followers of the Muslim faith. Known as "Meethi Eid" (Sweet Eid), the festival is celebrated following the sighting of the moon on the final day of the holy month of Ramadan. On this day, special morning prayers are offered, and gratitude is expressed to Allah. People don new clothes and exchange Eid greetings by embracing one another.

The date for celebrating Eid is officially determined only after the moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia. It is only subsequent to this announcement that the date for Eid celebrations in India is officially declared.

The city has come alive with festive energy in anticipation of Eid. On the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr (Meethi Eid), vermicelli serves as the central attraction, with numerous varieties available in the markets—each differing in taste, texture, and quality. Among the prominent varieties of vermicelli sold during Eid, *Banarasi Lachcha Sevai* is considered the most popular and of the highest quality. It is extremely fine (delicate), crispy, and comes pre-roasted in ghee.

It dissolves very quickly upon being added to milk and is considered the ideal choice for preparing *Sheer Khurma* or milk-based vermicelli dishes, as it imparts a rich, creamy texture. *Kimami Sevai* (which is fine and roasted) is a royal delicacy hailing from North India, particularly Lucknow. It features a slightly deep brown or orange hue and is prepared using generous amounts of ghee and dry fruits. It is thick in consistency, rich in *Mawa* (reduced milk solids), and cooked in sugar syrup; its inherent quality ensures that it remains fresh for an extended period.

*Bareek Sevai* (Fine Vermicelli) consists of strands that are extremely delicate—resembling fine threads. High-quality, fine vermicelli is made from refined flour (maida) or semolina (suji); traditionally, handmade vermicelli is considered to be of superior quality—and finer in texture—compared to its machine-made counterparts. This variety is ideal for preparing Sheer Khurma, as it results in a dish that is exceptionally delicate and creamy. In the Shivhar market, various types of vermicelli are currently being sold at prices ranging from ₹100 to ₹200.