Eid mubarak: Incredible images show millions of Muslims across the world celebrating Eid ul-Fitr 2019

Muslims across the world have begun Eid-ul Fitr celebrations, travelling hundreds of miles to be with families as the holy month of Ramadan ends.

Stunning photos show thousands of devotees in Turkey offering prayers to mark their first day of the religious occasion – which translates as ‘Festival of Breaking the Fast’ – and Bangladeshis cramming onto trains to join their loved-ones.

Sunni worshippers were seen exchanging warm greetings in Baghdad, Iraq, while Egyptian Muslims shared traditional butter cookies in Cairo, and Syrians browsed the markets in Damascus.

Eid, usually celebrated over three days, sees Muslims worship together in their mosques before enjoying a large meal with family and friends.

The festival signals the end of the month-long Ramadan fast period, and is also a time for forgiveness, charity and making amends.

African and Middle Eastern countries all announced the start of festivities on Monday night, while India, the UK and other European countries followed suit on Tuesday.

The date of the festivities is not predetermined, since the Islamic calendar is lunar, and so varies by country according to the moon’s appearance.

Eid is formally announced once a crescent moon is sighted, which indicates the start of a new month.

The moon was first officially seen at Mecca in Saudia Arabia on Monday, June 3, on the 29th day of Ramadan. As a result, the country's government declared the official start of the festival, in accordance with the Umm al-Qura Calendar.

This year, Ramadan began on the evening of Sunday May 5, which means Eid ul-Fitr was predicted to begin in the UK and other parts of the world on Tuesday, June 4.

However, Indonesia and Malaysia, for example, declared Wednesday as the first day of Eid ul-Fitr, as they relied on their own sighting of the lunar crescent to determine the start of the new month.

Events will be held across the UK to honour the occasion, including Birmingham’s Eid in the Park festival – the largest in Europe – on Tuesday, and London City Hall’s Eid Festival 2019 on Saturday.

To many Muslims, Eid ul-Fitr is an important show of gratitude to Allah for the help and strength he gave them throughout the previous fasting month to help them practice self-control.

Leaders from across the world have offered well-wishes of ‘Eid Mubarak’ – which means “happy holiday” – with Theresa May, Sadiq Khan and Diane Abbott among those to tweet special messages of support.

“Sending my very best wishes to Muslims in the UK and around the world celebrating the festival of Eid al-Fitr. #EidMubarak,” tweeted the British Prime Minister, on one of her final days in power.

“Regardless of which day you’re celebrating #Eid, may the Almighty Guide and Bless you and your loved ones always. As we gather for the joyous occasion, spare a thought and pray for those facing turmoil & calamity the world over. Reach out to those in need,” posted Zimbabwe’s Mufti Ismail Menk.

International football teams have also stepped up to share in the festivities: “Eid Mubarak! Manchester City wish you a happy Eid-al-Fitr,” wrote the Premiership leaders, while FC Barcelona tweeted its own message in Arabic.