One of the most celebratory days in the Islamic calendar is Eid al-Fitr, or the Festival of Breaking fast. It is a day of prayers, charity and building relations with community and family. Eid al-Fitr is also an opportunity to display gratitude for the month of Ramadan, where many prayed, fasted and gave to charity. Offering gifts to family and friends, being thankful and giving to the less fortunate are common ways to commemorate the joyous occasion. Celebrating the holiday with the school community, the Muslim Student Association held a food festival April 10 in the Student Center.
“Eid Mubarak,” a phrase meaning “blessed festival” is used all over the world as a greeting to celebrate Eid. Many regional variations exist; For example many West Africans say “Baraka da Salah” and Indonesians greet with “Selamat Eid al-Fitri.” At the food fest, students, teachers and parents took photos in front of the Eid Mubarak backdrop. (Photo/Asad Siddiqui)
Decorating one’s hands with henna is an Eid tradition that spans multiple cultures, from Morocco to India. The food fest featured Henna by Farah, a local artist, and many attendees went home with vibrant patterns adorning their hands and forearms. (Photo/Zain Masood)
Calligraphy is central to Islamic art and reflects the central role of writing and the written word in Islamic culture. The festival had a calligraphy exhibit set up by Mr. Siddiqui, featuring examples of calligraphic art and architecture such as the Taj Mahal and Blue Mosque of Turkey. (Photo/Zain Masood)
The festival had students from diverse backgrounds such as Middle Eastern, Latin American, Indian and Pakistani bring dishes commonly associated with Eid. “It was such a great opportunity to experience and enjoy foods from different cultures!” eighth-grader Jude Hachem said. A range of dishes and desserts were at the festival, from biryani to empanadas and baklava. (Photo/Zain Masood)
