Celebrating Jamat Ul-Vida
Jamat Ul Vida's meaning is ‘The Friday of farewell.’ Unlike most holidays, it is not recognized publicly and is considered an optional holiday by the Government and various employers. Therefore, the last Friday of the month of Ramadan is dubbed the Jamat Ul Vida holiday.
It symbolizes the beginning of the Eid-al-Fitr festival, and the day is very auspicious to the Islamic community. It is believed that people recite the Holy Quran and receive well wishes. Much enthusiasm goes behind Jamat Ul-Vida as it is practised with great devotion. Muslim families visit mosques, pray to the Almighty, and donate to the poor. Charitable work is conducted throughout society, and the last Friday falls on the holy month of Ramzan.
Origin, History and Significance of Jamat Ul-Vida
According to Islamic tradition, every Friday of the week is a holy occasion. However, the people believe that Jamat Ul-Vida is special since reading from the holy book of the Quran would result in them receiving blessings from God. It is said that the angel of God enters mosques on this auspicious day, and when the prayers from the Holy Quran are recited in His presence, the sins of the fallen are forgiven. Those who have sinned also have to do the Friday Namaz regularly, along with this practice.
Tents are put up outside mosques to accommodate the large gathering of followers who flock to the Masjid on this day. Muslims take a bath in the morning and visit the mosque in clean attire. The priests guide them, and devotees talk to each other and spread the word of Allah. Those who donate to the needy or feed them are blessed and rewarded in the future.
When is Jamat Ul-Vida Celebrated?
Jamat Ul Vida will be celebrated from 20 to 21 April 2023. On the day, people are asked to forgive those who have wronged them first and let go of ill feelings. Allah forgives their sins that way, and after the main festivities, families hold feasts at their homes. The day reminds Muslim folks about the Holy Scriptures in the Quran and to abide by them constantly, ensuring they never forget their religious duties. Women don’t have to go to mosques, but the men must attend. The Quran is read aloud multiple times throughout the day.
How Is Jamat Ul-Vida Celebrated and Where to Go?
Muslim people fast during the whole month of Ramadan and maintain Namaaz. Jamat Ul-Vida is the last Friday of the month, after which they break their fast. Islamic belief states that Prophet Muhammad offered his special prayers to Allah on this day. This makes it so special compared to the other days of Ramadan.
There is a lot of enthusiasm in the air, and families tend to visit various religious sites and places worldwide. For backpackers and travellers, this means they can explore Islamic culture and learn about different traditions. The holy month of Ramadan comes to a close after this festival, and Eid Mubarak begins.
If you are looking for a list of popular places worth visiting during this festival, these are the ones worth exploring first. Pack your cameras and be prepared before visiting since it can get crowded!
- Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad – Over 10,000 devotees gather here during this auspicious event, and Muhammad Qutb Shah constructed the Masjid. It is one of the largest mosques in India, and this is where Jamat Ul Vida is celebrated in full zest.
- Charminar, Hyderabad – The streets of Charminar light up at night after dusk sets in. Muslim folk enjoy delicious food, and many stalls sell the iconic Hyderabadi Biriyani at affordable rates.
- Frazer Town, Bangalore – Frazer Town’s Mosque Road is where Jamat Al-Vida is celebrated in Bangalore. The stalls sell kebabs, phirnis, and various exotic delicacies. Tourists also find Muslims gathering for prayers at the Masjid there.
If you’re interested in visiting these places to celebrate Jamat Ul-Vida, you can download the redBus app. Various bus operators connect directly to these destinations and operate along multiple routes. The journey is very comfortable since the coaches are clean and equipped with multiple modern amenities. The redBus app also offers exclusive discounts during the festive season, and early bookings have the chance to avail of those.
Bus timings and schedules are listed for every operator, and there is a filter for viewing buses based on budget and other preferences. Customers include ratings and reviews for their bookings, making redBus a very trustworthy app. Additionally, 24 x 7 customer support is available to answer any queries, and the redBus staff is also responsive over emails and phone.
