New Delhi: Eid ul-Fitr 2026, celebrated today on March 21, brings communities together in joy, gratitude and the sweetness of tradition. Known as Meethi
Eid, the festival earns its name from the custom of beginning the day with sweet dishes after a month of fasting. While the holy month of Ramzan features meals rich in meat and spices after sunset, Eid ul-Fitr shifts the focus to sugar, milk, and festive desserts, marking a sweet start to a new routine.
Beyond personal indulgence, sweets are shared generously with family, friends and the less fortunate, reinforcing values of sharing, kindness and goodwill. Signature treats like Qeemami Sevai and Sheer Korma are mainly prepared, the former prepared by slowly cooking sevai in sugar syrup, the latter mixing thickened milk, sevai and a variety of dry fruits. These iconic dishes capture the spirit, flavour and joy of Meethi Eid.
Sweet traditions that define Meethi Eid
Eid begins in the early morning, with people rising, bathing, and dressing in clean or new clothes. Families gather at mosques or open grounds to perform Eid prayers together, standing side by side to offer thanks to Allah and seek blessings. Many also recite passages from the Quran and perform Namaz. Once prayers are complete, the festive celebrations take over. Homes are adorned with decorations, and a joyful atmosphere fills the surroundings.
Special dishes like biryani, kebabs, sheer khurma, nihari, and haleem are prepared, while families visit friends and relatives to exchange greetings and share moments of happiness. Traditional sweets such as sewaiyan, kheer, and the beloved sheer khurma highlight the day, symbolising joy, togetherness, and the “sweet reward” following a month of fasting and self-discipline. This is why this festival is called Meethi Eid. Here are the sweet dishes that define the festival.
1. Qeemami Sevai
A delicate preparation of fine sevai cooked in sugar syrup, offering a light yet indulgent sweetness to start the festive morning.
2. Sheer korma
A rich, milky dessert infused with dry fruits and sevai, cooked to a thick, luscious consistency and traditionally served the next morning.
3. Sharing sweets
Beyond personal enjoyment, distributing desserts to loved ones and the needy embodies the generosity and communal spirit of Eid.
Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated not just with food but with joy, gratitude and togetherness and Meethi Eid ensures every morning begins on a sweet, festive note.
