It was all splendor as Muslims from all corners of the capital thronged the Independence Square in Accra in their beautiful attires to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan.
Both the old and young were beautifully clothed as they converged in their numbers to mark the day at the Independence Square, which was filled to capacity.
Even young babies and toddlers had their fair share of the beautiful adornment as they were seen in nice clothing and hijabs and caps.
The celebration caused a traffic jam on the main road leading to the Independence Square as vehicles of all kinds and motorbikes jammed the road and the parking lots at the venue.
It was also a lovely sight to behold as beautifully decorated horses were paraded at the venue with some having young riders.
Photographers had a field day, as everyone, after the prayers, wanted to take pictures with friends and loved ones, whilst others too were busily begging for alms.
Traders made up of mostly khebab and ice cream seller, as well as Islamic literature dealers recorded high sales as the children scrambled to buy from them after the closing prayers.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Tofik Fatawu, from Nima, a suburb of Accra said the celebration of the Eid is a call on all Muslims to show kindness to relatives and parents and also empathize with the poor and the distraught.
“It is a day of visiting and merrymaking, however, we should celebrate bearing in mind that we are not supposed to do anything that may cause pain or injury to anyone”, he said.
He said the celebration of Eid also served as a reminder to all Muslims to summit to God and bear in mind that ‘we are all but a breath away from death.’
“In the midst of life is death and a Muslim must realise that this life is but a transient stop on the way to the final abode, which is either Paradise or Hell”, he added.
Fatawu cautioned his fellow Muslims to eschew lavish displays of wealth and materialism as they mark the Eid.
“A Muslim is encouraged to celebrate by glorifying God, and being reminded that the ability to love life and to celebrate, is only one of God's many bounties.”, he advised.
Muslims practice sawm, or fasting, for the entire month of Ramadan, which is one of the Five Pillars (duties) of Islam. As with other Islamic duties, all able Muslims take part in sawm from about age twelve.
During Ramadan Muslim families get up early for suhoor, a meal eaten before the sun rises and after the sun sets, the fast is broken with a meal known as iftar.
Iftar usually begins with dates and sweet drinks that provide a quick energy boost.
In Islam fasting is also an opportunity to practice self-control and to cleanse the body and mind and in this most sacred month, fasting helps Muslims feel the peace that comes from spiritual devotion as well as kinship with fellow believers.
Ramadan ends with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, literally meaning the "Festival of Breaking the Fast.
Eid al-Fitr is one of the two most important Islamic celebrations (the other one, the Eid ul Adha, occurs after the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca).
At Eid al-Fitr people dress in their finest clothes, adorn their homes with lights and decorations, give treats to children, and enjoy visits with friends and family.
A sense of generosity and gratitude colors these festivities, although charity and good deeds are always important in Islam, they have special significance at the end of Ramadan.
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