Uygurs in Xinjiang celebrate end of Ramadan

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By CGTN's Meng Qingsheng

Muslims across China are now celebrating Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. In Kashgar of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, over three million people, or over 90 percent of the total population, are observing the occasion.

Muslims in Kashgar of western Xinjiang line up for morning pray on Eid al Fitr. /CGTN Photo

At around 9 a.m. on Monday, thousands of Muslims in Kashgar lined up to pray. Arupu Aji, 61, was among the crowd waiting to greet the end of Ramadan. Arupu said that he was fasting for most of Ramadan, except for the days when he was ill. But he pledged that he will make up for the days of fasting he missed.

Celebrations start by gathering everyone from the big family, the elderly and the young. Arupu Aji and his son accompany his 87-year old father towards the mosque. /CGTN Photo

Eid al Fitr is not just about breaking fast after an entire month of abstinence, it's also a time for family reunions. People share festival greetings, put on new clothes and prepare the most delicious food to celebrate.

As life improves, Muslims here have more choices to prepare the festival food from, with all sorts of nuts and desserts on offer. Hand-made Sanzi is a must for the occasion.

Noodles-like Sanzi is one of the traditional snacks of the Uygurs in Xinjiang. During Eid al Fitr, every Uygur family makes Sanzi to treat guests. /CGTN Photo

Official census data suggests there are currently over 20 million Muslims from 10 ethnic minorities living in China, with most of them in the remote northwest.

During the festival, children can get gift money from the adults, and have beautiful clothes. /CGTN Photo