Reading time : 4 minutes
As India continues to celebrate Eid without hindrance or religious bias, it serves as a reminder to the world that unity and harmony are not only possible, but are essential for a thriving, inclusive society. India’s approach to celebrating Eid stands as a model of peaceful coexistence, showing that it is possible to live together, celebrate together, and thrive together, irrespective of religious or cultural differences.
By Shujaat Ali Quadri
Eid is one of the most important festivals for Muslims around the world, and its celebration is a time for family, friends, and communities to come together in joyous festivities. India, with its rich cultural diversity, has long been a place where people of different religious backgrounds live side by side, celebrating their respective festivals in peace and harmony. Eid, for centuries, has been a festival that transcends religious lines, marked by a deep sense of togetherness and shared celebration. In 2025, Eid continued to be a time for communal unity, marked by millions of Muslims celebrating without hindrance or religious bias. It’s a vivid example of how India stands as a beacon of religious tolerance in an often tumultuous region.
A celebration of unity
India has a history of celebrating Eid without any significant disturbances or bias, and this tradition continues today. Despite being a predominantly Hindu country, India has long embraced its Muslim population and their festivals with respect and recognition. The country’s secular framework allows every citizen, irrespective of their faith, to freely practice their religion, which is especially evident during the celebration of Eid.
Eid in India is celebrated with much fanfare and fervor. Across the country, from Kashmir in the north to Kerala in the south, Muslims gather for special prayers, share meals with family and friends, and engage in charitable acts. However, it’s not only Muslims who celebrate Eid. Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, and other communities often partake in the celebrations, reflecting the country’s pluralistic ethos.
In recent years, one of the most powerful symbols of India’s religious unity during Eid has been the participation of millions in the Eid Namaz (prayer). For instance, in 2025, lakhs of Muslims gathered across the country to offer their prayers, including at the famous Hazratbal Mosque in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. This marks an essential moment for the Muslim community, as the participation of such large numbers speaks of the peaceful and united nature of the celebration.
Political leaders’ support and unity on Eid
One of the defining features of Eid in India is the overwhelming display of unity from leaders across the political spectrum. This year, as with years past, leaders from all political parties, including those from the opposition, extended warm Eid greetings to the Muslim community. In a particularly symbolic gesture, the president of India, as well as prominent leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), sent out heartfelt Eid messages, wishing prosperity and happiness to all Muslims.
What makes this gesture even more significant is that many of these leaders, including high-ranking members of the BJP, took the time to write their greetings in Urdu, a language that is deeply associated with Muslim culture in India. By using Urdu, a language spoken widely in Muslim communities, these leaders not only expressed their good wishes, but also showcased their solidarity with the Muslim population. This level of engagement and respect from the highest echelons of power is a testament to the inclusivity that characterizes India’s democratic fabric.
This act of solidarity is significant in the context of India’s political climate. With the rise of identity politics and the occasional tension between different religious communities, the Eid greetings by leaders from across the political spectrum sent a powerful message of unity. The importance of such gestures cannot be overstated, especially at a time when divisive narratives often dominate headlines. The actions of these political leaders reinforce the idea that India’s strength lies in its ‘unity in diversity’ and that people, regardless of their faith, are all integral to the country’s identity.
Prosperous Kashmir indulges in festivities
Located in the picturesque city of Srinagar, Hazratbal Mosque has always held immense religious significance for the Muslim community in Jammu and Kashmir. Every year, the mosque is a center for the Eid Namaz, where thousands of Muslims gather in peaceful reverence. In 2025, the participation in the Eid prayers at Hazratbal witnessed a significant increase, and this reflects a broader trend: the region has seen a decrease in militancy over the years, contributing to a more peaceful environment for religious celebrations.
After years of strife and conflict, which disrupted normal life and religious practices, Kashmir has now experienced a return to normalcy. Militancy, which once cast a dark shadow over the region, has been greatly reduced. As a result, the atmosphere during Eid has changed drastically.
In the past, there were concerns over security and tension that could lead to unrest, but in 2025, the Eid Namaz at Hazratbal was marked by a sense of calm, solidarity, and celebration. The decrease in militancy in the region has allowed the Muslim community, as well as people of other faiths, to participate freely and without fear.
Pakistan’s sectarian violence a stark contrast
While India stands as a shining example of religious tolerance and harmony during Eid, the situation is quite different in neighbouring Pakistan, where sectarian violence and tension often mar the festive atmosphere. In Pakistan, Eid celebrations are sometimes disrupted by violent clashes between different sects of Islam, particularly between Deobandi and Shia Muslims. These conflicts are often exacerbated by the country’s political instability, which makes it difficult to maintain a peaceful environment during major religious events like Eid.
In stark contrast, India has long been able to celebrate Eid without such sectarian violence. Whether in Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, or Tamil Nadu, Muslims in India have been able to gather for Eid prayers, share meals, and express joy without the fear of violent disruptions. This peace and stability during Eid prayers are not the result of chance, but the outcome of India’s long-standing commitment to secularism and respect for religious freedom. Even in regions like Kashmir, where communal tension once flared, the decreased militancy has allowed for greater religious harmony and understanding between communities.
While Pakistan struggles with internal sectarian conflict, India’s Eid celebrations serve as a reminder of the country’s rich tradition of coexistence and its commitment to ensuring that all citizens can celebrate their religious festivals in peace. This contrast highlights the importance of India’s secular framework, which ensures that religion does not become a tool for division, but, rather, a bridge to greater understanding.
Acts of kindness: Hindus and Muslims celebrating together
One of the most heartwarming aspects of Eid in India is the interfaith solidarity that is so often displayed. In cities like Jaipur and Varanasi, it’s not uncommon to witness Hindus participating in Eid celebrations in various ways. In 2025, there were numerous instances where Hindus showered rose petals on Muslims during the Eid prayers, a symbolic act of goodwill that signifies the unity between the two communities. These gestures, though simple, are incredibly meaningful in a world where religious differences are sometimes used to create divisions.
In Jaipur, for example, Hindus and Muslims shared the joy of Eid together in a remarkable show of unity. The act of showering flowers on Muslims during their Eid prayers was a beautiful reminder that, despite the differences that may exist between religious communities, they can come together in the spirit of love, respect, and shared humanity. Such gestures are not isolated, but are indicative of a much larger trend in India, where interfaith collaboration is often seen during major religious festivals.
Similarly, in Varanasi, a city that is considered the spiritual heart of Hinduism, the warmth and camaraderie between Hindus and Muslims during Eid celebrations was evident. In this city, known for its ancient temples and ghats, the act of mutual respect and participation between Hindus and Muslims is a living example of India’s pluralistic society. The gestures of interfaith solidarity during Eid in Varanasi and other cities highlight the deep bonds that unite people across faiths in India.
A symbol of unity in diversity
As India continues to celebrate Eid without hindrance or religious bias, it serves as a reminder to the world that unity and harmony are not only possible, but are essential for a thriving, inclusive society. In a time when global divisions often seem insurmountable, India’s approach to celebrating Eid stands as a model of coexistence, showing that it is possible to live together, celebrate together, and thrive together, irrespective of religious or cultural differences.