Eid was not just a religious festival during the Mughal era. It was also a confluence of royal life, court culture and folk festivals. In this festival there was worship, charity, reconciliation and also royal grandeur. Mughal emperors gave great importance to Eid. There are indications of this in many history books. Especially Abul Fazl’s Aine-Akbari and Jahangir’s autobiography Tuzuk-e-Jahangiri give a good idea of the rituals, festivals and royal behavior of the Mughal court. Along with this, Abdul Hameed Lahori’s Badshahnama also helps in understanding the royal traditions of the era of Shahjahan.
Preparations for Eid used to start several days in advance. Royal palaces were cleaned. There was special decoration. Preparations for the court clothes were done. There would be increased activity in the markets. New clothes, perfume, henna, sweets and various types of food items were sold. Rich people decorated their houses. Common people also prepare for the festival according to their status. In this way Eid would become a celebration of the entire city.
Eid morning was special
The morning of Eid was considered very special. The king would wake up early in the morning. Wear new and nice clothes after bath. Silk, brocade, brocade and precious fabrics were used in royal attire. The turban was also tied very neatly. Perfume is applied. Fragrance used to have great importance in the Mughal court. Therefore, on occasions like Eid, the use of perfume and fragrant incense would have been even greater.
Mughal harem and court on the occasion of Eid Fragrance used to be of great importance. Photo: Getty Images
influence of power and sense of unity
Namaz was the most important part of Eid. The emperor would often offer namaz in the big Jama Masjid, Shahi Masjid or any Eidgah. Along with him, Umra, Subedar, soldiers, Qazi, Ulema and other courtiers also used to go. Many times common people also got the opportunity to see the scenes of Eid namaz along with the emperor. This reflected the influence of royal power and also created a sense of religious unity.
Looks were the measure of position and prestige
After the namaz the process of congratulations would start. People hug each other. Eid greetings would be given to the king. Salutations and glances would be offered by the courtiers. Nazar meant giving a gift in royal respect. In return, the king would also give Khilaat i.e. clothes of respect, Ashrafis, horses, jewelery or other gifts. It was not just a ritual. This showed one’s position, prestige and closeness in the court.
Eid rituals were reduced during the reign of Aurangzeb.
Eid was the common joy of the court and the society.
In Aine-Akbari, Abul Fazl has mentioned many arrangements, rituals and festivals of Akbar’s court. This shows that royal occasions were celebrated in a very organized manner during the Mughal rule. Even in a festival like Eid, the dignity and discipline of the state was clearly visible. At the same time, it can be understood from Tuzuk-e-Jahangiri that Jahangir was interested in recording the festivals, court habits and public occasions of his time. These sources strengthen the impression that Eid was a shared joy of both the court and the society.
The king took care of the poor also
Donation and charity were an essential part of Eid. The Mughal emperor used to distribute money, clothes and food among the poor. Fitra and Sadaqah were taken care of. There was an effort to ensure that poor people could also celebrate the festival. Many times help also reached the needy through mosques, khanqahs and dargahs. There are also mentions of food being distributed from the royal kitchen. This donation was both a religious duty and a display of royal generosity.
Custom of sending dishes to each other’s house
There were also royal feasts on the day of Eid. Mughal food was very rich. Both sweet and salty dishes are prepared on this day. Vermicelli, Sheer-Khurma, Pulao, Kebab, Korma, Naan and many types of sweets were served. Sheer-Khurma had special importance. This dish made of milk, vermicelli, dates and dry fruits was considered the hallmark of Eid. There was constant movement of guests in big houses. Sending dishes to each other’s homes was also a way of showing closeness.
Eid was celebrated even during the Mughal period.
There were also some interesting rituals related to Eid of the Mughal era. There was a ritual of giving Eid. Children were given money, clothes or small gifts. This custom would have taken an even grander form in the royal family. Special gifts were fixed for princes, queens and children. Gifts were also exchanged among women. Mehndi, jewellery, perfume and clothes added to the happiness of Eid. The tradition of Edi is seen even today.
Prisoners were released on Eid
Another interesting thing was that the tradition of giving relief to prisoners on Eid was also sometimes adopted. The punishment of those guilty of minor crimes was reduced or they were given amnesty. It was considered a symbol of mercy and forgiveness. With such steps the king used to show his love for justice and mercy. Almost all the kings followed this tradition. Some a little less and some more.
Mughal emperor Shahjahan.
Grandeur was seen on Eid during Shahjahan period
Badshahnama shows how grand Eid was during the reign of Shahjahan. During that period the courts and festivals took a very grand form. Lights, clothes, processions, feasts and royal gifts used to have special importance on festivals like Eid. The era of Shahjahan was an era of architecture, beauty and grandeur. Therefore, Eid celebrations also used to be impressive.
Eid shared culture during Akbar period
Akbar’s attitude was different. He adopted a policy of religious tolerance. During his time the atmosphere of royal festivals was relatively open. Non-Muslim courtiers also became part of the royal ceremonies. Due to this, Eid did not remain only a festival of Muslim society, but it became a part of the shared cultural life of the imperial capital. This was a major identity of Mughal culture, which Akbar brought to light.
Aurangzeb had cut down the rituals
During the times of Jahangir and Shahjahan, more festivity and artistry were visible. Aurangzeb’s nature was relatively simple. He cut down on many royal rituals. Still, the importance of Eid prayers, charity and religious discipline remained, that is, the form changed but the basic spirit of Eid remained intact.
Even in today’s Eid, some traditions remind us of the same heritage. Namaz, hugging, celebrating Eid, making vermicelli and helping the needy continue even today. The only difference is that now royal courts are not held, but the heart of the festival is still the same. In this way, the Eid of the Mughals was grand, disciplined and emotional. Sources like Abul Fazl’s Aine-Akbari, Jahangir’s Tuzuk-e-Jahangiri and Abdul Hamid Lahori’s Badshahnama tell us that this festival was a big symbol of worship as well as royal culture. This is the reason why the Eid of the Mughal era still attracts history lovers.
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