Essay on “Shab-e-Barat” Festival
Shab-e-Barat is an Islamic festival celebrated on the night of the 14th of Shaban every year to mark Prophet Mohammad’s ascent to heaven. Muslims believe that on this day God writes the destiny of all men for the coming year.
Muslims celebrate it with merry-making, illuminations, and fireworks. Sweets, especially sewaiyan (vermicelli), are sent to the houses of friends and relatives. ‘Fateha’ or blessings are recited over food in the name of Prophet, his daughter Fatimah and his son-in-law Ali. The Holy Quran is read out by the people.
On this occasion, the mosques are elaborately decorated and people throng to the mosque to listen to the sermons of Ulema, highlighting the importance of the night. A large number of people visit the graveyards to seek Allah’s blessings for the deceased. A number of shrines also buzz with devotees who lay floral wreaths and offer Fateha. Thousands of beggars also throng the graveyards of the city, seeking alms.
