Eid-ul-Fitr in The Gambia

My Magazine 2024/04

2 min

KNOW

Eid-ul-Fitr, known as "Koriteh" in The Gambia, is a joyous celebration marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. This festival holds immense significance for the Muslim community in The Gambia and is celebrated with great enthusiasm.

It takes much devotion and self-control to refrain from drinking and eating from dawn to dusk. This is done to strengthen the spiritual relationship with Allah (SWT), along with worship and prayer to commemorate the revelation of the Qur'an. It's a joyous occasion with festivities, prayers, and social gatherings.

It is a tradition in The Gambia to wear new clothes on the day of Koriteh. People dress up in colourful and vibrant outfits to mark the happy occasion. The planning of Koriteh outfits may begin way before the month of fasting ends. Selecting designs, saving money to buy the best material and decoration and booking the best tailor in town is part of the process. Koriteh outfits are most commonly traditional clothes, also referred to as African.

The preparations for Koriteh begin well in advance. As the month of Ramadan comes to a close, families start cleaning and decorating their homes, and markets bustle with people buying new clothes and gifts for loved ones. The atmosphere is filled with anticipation and excitement as everyone looks forward to the festivities ahead.

The Koriteh festival begins with the sighting of the moon. Muslim leaders and scholars in The Gambia look for the crescent moon to determine the start of the festival.

On the morning of Koriteh, Muslims in The Gambia gather in mosques or open spaces for the special Koriteh prayer called Eid Salah. The prayer is led by an Imam and is attended by men, women, and children dressed in their finest traditional attire. But before Eid prayers can begin, a charity donation must be made. This is called Zakat ul-Fitr, which is given to people in need, allowing them to partake in festivities.

One of the key features of Koriteh celebrations in The Gambia is the communal spirit and generosity.

After the prayer, families and friends come together to celebrate. This is a time for forgiveness, reconciliation, and strengthening relationships. People often visit their neighbours, friends, and family to exchange gifts and greetings. Children, in particular, look forward to Koriteh as they receive money and gifts from their elders.

A highlight of Koriteh in The Gambia is the delicious traditional food prepared for the occasion, such as Benachin, domoda, and Yassa, which are shared with family and friends.

Music and Dance are integral to Koriteh celebrations in The Gambia. People gather in public places and dance to the beat of traditional drumming and music.

Eid-ul-Fitr is not just a religious festival but a celebration of community, compassion, and gratitude. It is a time for reflection on the blessings of the past month and a recommitment to living a life of faith and kindness. Visitors to the country during this time can expect a warm welcome and a chance to experience The Gambia's unique culture and traditions.

Many hotels and restaurants in The Gambia organise special events during Koriteh, so if you're not sure where to celebrate Koriteh with family and friends, here are a few options -