Background
Although Chaand Raat celebrations are linked with both kinds of Eid, they have their origin in Eid ul-Fitr, which is celebrated on the 1st of Shawwal. As the beginning of an Islamic month depends on the first sighting of the lunar crescent, the month of Ramadan can be of either 29 or 30 days. The term Chaand Raat refers to the evening on which first lunar crescent of the month of Shawwal is observed. As the exact day of an Eid ul-Fitr is a matter of debate, because of the uncertainty of the Islamic calendar, therefore, its Chaand Raat is considered more festive than that of Eid ul-Adha.
Chaand Raat of Eid ul-Adha is not celebrated by all Muslims of South Asia, partly because these celebrations are mostly related to Eid ul-Fitr. Eid ul-Adha is celebrated on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, which means, unlike Eid ul-Fitr, its day is decided 9 days in advance, because of which, in opinion of some Muslims, its Chaand Raat loses its festiveness.
In Australia,the Islamic Community celebrates Chand Raat with other communities and organizes an event called 'Chand Raat Eid Festival (CREF)' The event is open for everyone. People from different communities place stalls in CREF, hundreds and thousands of people attend this event every year. details are available on CREF's website www.chandraat.net .
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