Agoda, one of the world's fastest growing online travel agents, has shared ways travellers can experience Eid al-Fitr or Hari Raya Puasa (Aidilfitri) around the world.
Jakarta, Indonesia
What to do: Try an Eid al-Fitr meal at a local restaurant
Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Mega Kuningan which has excellent dining options.
Eid al-Fitr or Lebaran is a major travel period for Indonesians, as many Muslims, especially those who live in the city, travel back to their hometowns ahead of time, a tradition known as 'mudik'. This means it may be relatively quiet in the city, providing a great time to roam the malls and check out usually crowded attractions in Jakarta.
No Lebaran celebration is complete in Indonesia without rendang - a thick, fragrant and spicy meat dish, usually made with beef and cooked tender (not crispy - editor's note: this is a reference to a well known reality cooking show where a judge dismissed a contestant's rendang as not crispy enough), served alongside ketupat, cubical rice dumplings which symbolise togetherness.
Istanbul, Turkey
What to do: Bring sweets and goodies to break fast with the crowds between The Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet Square
Where to stay: Ajwa Hotel, where travellers can indulge in a traditional hammam (Turkish bath) at the in-house spa.
During Ramadhan, travellers might spot drummers performing at the break of dawn along the streets as they wake residents up for suhoor, the predawn meal before the day of fasting.
Eid al-Fitr is also known as Seker Bayram or 'Candy Festival' in Turkey, as celebrations will feature sweet treats such as baklava. In fact, people are encouraged to have sweets for breakfast.
UAE
What to do: Have iftar at Dubai Opera, enjoy special activities at IMG Worlds of Adventures
Where to stay: Have fun at Atlantis the Palm Dubai, which houses a 170,000 sq m amusement park and a water park.
In the lead-up to Eid, have iftar at the Dubai Opera, combining Arabic cuisine and live music.
One of the world's largest indoor theme parks, IMG Worlds of Adventures, is decorated in a traditional Arabic theme and offer activities just for the season.
KSA
Where to go / What to do: Eid festival at the coastal area of Jeddah Corniche and Al Balad (Old town)
Where to stay: Raddison Blu Hotel, Jeddah Corniche
In the heart of downtown Balad, travellers can take part in the festivities at the Historic Jeddah Festival for a glimpse into how Eid used to be. Check out interactive art features or listen to the hakawati (storytellers) narrate accounts of how Hijazi families spent their Eid in the past. The Hejaz is an area in West Arabia that hosts Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah.
Srinagar, Kashmir
Where to go / What to do: Sail on Dal Lake and stop at Hazratbal Mosque, before feasting at Lal Chowk food street
Where to stay: On the New Golden Flower Heritage Houseboat
The biggest congregation of Eid prayer gatherings in Srinagar is typically at the Hazratbal, the shrine said to house a relic from the Prophet Muhammad.
On the morning of Eid al-Fitr, something sweet is eaten for breakfast such as sheer kurma or seviyan (vermicelli pudding with milk, water and nuts), accompanied by kahwah, a local tea brewed from special green tea leaves, spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and strands saffron, then garnished with dried fruits and nuts. Sample local cuisine including Kashmiri naan, kebabs, kahwah, and noon chai (a pink salty tea) along Lal Chowk, the famous food street.