Salat-ul-Eid, the special prayer performed on the occasions of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, has a unique structure compared to the regular daily prayers in Islam. Here’s a step-by-step guide to performing Salat-ul-Eid:
Before the Prayer:

1. Ghusl (Ritual Bath): It’s recommended to perform Ghusl before attending the Eid prayer.
2. Dress Nicely: Wear your best clothes, as it is a Sunnah to dress well for the Eid prayer.
3. Apply Perfume: For men, applying perfume is recommended.
4. Eat Something Before Eid al-Fitr: It is a Sunnah to eat an odd number of dates or anything else before leaving for the Eid al-Fitr prayer. For Eid al-Adha, it is recommended to delay eating until after the prayer.
5. Recite Takbir: On the way to the prayer, recite the Takbir aloud:
   • Eid al-Fitr Takbir: “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahil hamd.”
   • Eid al-Adha Takbir: The same Takbir is recited, with additional emphasis on the day.
6. Arrive Early: Try to arrive early at the prayer ground (Musalla) or mosque.

The Prayer:

1. Intention (Niyyah): Before starting the prayer, make the intention in your heart that you are offering Salat-ul-Eid.
2. Takbir to Start (Takbirat-ul-Ihram): Raise your hands and say “Allahu Akbar” to start the prayer. This is the first Takbir.
3. Additional Takbirs in the First Rakah:
   • After the opening Takbir, recite the opening supplication (if desired), then say “Allahu Akbar” six more times, raising your hands with each Takbir. Some schools of thought add seven Takbirs instead of six.
   • After the Takbirs, recite Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by another Surah, typically Surah Al-A’la or Surah Qaf.
4. Rukoo and Sujood: Proceed with Rukoo (bowing) and Sujood (prostration) as usual, completing the first Rak’ah.
5. Standing for the Second Rakah:
   • When you stand up for the second Rak’ah, recite “Allahu Akbar” five times before starting the recitation. Again, some schools of thought recite six Takbirs instead of five.
   • After the Takbirs, recite Surah Al-Fatihah followed by another Surah, typically Surah Al-Ghashiyah or Surah Al-Qamar.
6. Complete the Prayer:
   • Continue with the Rukoo and Sujood and complete the second Rak’ah.
   • End the prayer with the Tasleem (saying “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” while turning your head to the right, and then to the left).

After the Prayer:

1. Khutbah (Sermon): Unlike the Jumu’ah (Friday) prayer where the Khutbah precedes the prayer, the Khutbah for Salat-ul-Eid is delivered after the prayer. It is Sunnah to sit and listen to the Khutbah, though it is not obligatory.
2. Supplication: After the Khutbah, it is recommended to make dua (supplication) for yourself and the Muslim Ummah.
3. Greet One Another: After the prayer, it is customary to greet fellow Muslims with “Eid Mubarak” and other good wishes.

Additional Notes:

• Salat-ul-Eid is performed in congregation and is ideally held in a large open area (Musalla) rather than a mosque, though it can be held in a mosque if necessary.
• Women, children, and even menstruating women (though they do not perform the prayer) are encouraged to attend the Eid gathering.
• The prayer has no Adhan (call to prayer) or Iqamah.

By following these steps, you can properly perform Salat-ul-Eid according to Islamic tradition.