The vermicelli pudding often made for Eid in Pakistan and India is sheer khurma.
The name comes from Persian: sheer means “milk,” while khurma refers to dates. The dessert combines fine vermicelli with milk, sugar, dates and ghee or butter. Almonds, pistachios, raisins, cardamom, saffron and rose water may also be added, depending on the household and region.
Sheer khurma is traditionally served on Eid al-Fitr morning, often after the Eid prayer, and offered to visiting relatives and neighbors throughout the day. It is especially associated with Muslim communities in India and Pakistan, but is also prepared in Afghanistan and parts of Central Asia.
A common mix-up is treating sheer khurma as identical to every sweet vermicelli dish. Regional relatives include seviyan and Bengali shemai, while kheer is usually a rice-based milk pudding and firni is commonly made with ground rice. Recipes and thickness vary widely: some versions are spoonable, while others are loose and almost drink-like.