Ramadan wraps up with brunch
Some of Palmerston North’s newest residents celebrated Eid-ulfitr with food and prayer, as Ramadan wrapped up.
More than 400 people from a range of ethnic backgrounds, including refugees and migrants, packed into Central Energy Trust Arena on Monday morning.
Manawatu Muslim Association president Zulfiqar Butt said it was a great way to start the day.
After a month of fasting for Ramadan, cultural communities across the world commemorate Eid-ul-fitr – the biggest celebration of the Muslim faith.
Butt said Eid was about celebrating together as a community and also rewarding those who fasted.
Ramadan happens in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and runs for the duration of the lunar month. Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset during the month.
Hundreds flocked into the arena, including about 50 children who took the day off school to join in the festivities.
Children received small bags of lollies, presents and prizes during the event, while donations were also made to charity, he said.
‘‘People from Feilding and Levin and other towns came for the Eid prayer.’’
Ethnic groups or countries represented included Rohingya, Pakistan, Somalia, India and Bangladesh.
Butt said it was great so many people were able to celebrate safely in New Zealand, despite being so far away from their home countries.
He had messages of support from many people all over the country, he said.