Eid-el-Fitr (or Eid-ul-Fitr) marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month. In 1996, the eid (festival) fell on February 20. It is a time for distributing alms among the poor and needy, for visiting friends and relatives, and for exchanging greetings and gifts. Children typically receive new clothes or toys. As far as the exchange of presents is concerned, it is the closest approximation to Chanukah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa.
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Last updated and error-free on October 10, 2000.