Muslims around the world are celebrating  Eid al-Fitr - the festival that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

After weeks of fasting between dawn and dusk - it is a chance to feast and to celebrate the three-day  festival which begins on the 1st of the month of  'Shawwal', the 10th  of the Islamic calendar.

The beginning and end of Islamic months are determined by the sighting of the new moon, making the Eid  not a fixed date.

Most countries  declared Friday the first day of Eid whiles in Ghana, an announcement about the sighting of the moon was made on Wednesday evening by the Office of the Chief Imam Dr Uthman Nuhu Sharubutu.

He however declared Friday as the day for the Eid for which  a holiday has been declared by the ministry of Interior.

Eid celebrations begin with a special prayer in mosques and open-air areas.

The National Chief Imam is expected to  lead the special Eid-al-Fitr prayers at the Black Star square Accra in the Friday morning.

It is equally expected that the President Nana Akufo Addo or his Vice Dr Mahmudu Bawumia will be in attendance and will use the occasion to address the nation.

In some cultures, the special prayers is followed by the gathering of family and friends.

It is traditional to wear new clothes on Eid and many will bake sweet treats ahead of the celebrations.

Muslims also use Eid as a time to donate to charity, as the whole month of Ramadan is a time of reflection.

The most common greeting to say to Muslims is Eid Mubarak.

By Fiifi Abdul Malik/ghanaguardian.com