Prayer, feasts and a bouncy castle for biggest celebration for Muslims
MAIDENHEAD: Thousands of Muslims will be gathering in the borough to observe prayer and enjoy food and entertainment this week as Eid celebrations begin.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the Ramadan period, which sees millions of Muslims fast from dawn until dusk for about a month.
This year, depending on the sighting of the new crescent moon, the festival will take place on either Friday or Saturday.
To mark the occasion, celebrations will be held at both Kidwells Park and at Maidenhead Mosque.
A large Eid in the Park event, organised by the Al-Tawheed Islamic Education Centre in Maidenhead will be welcoming families to gather at Kidwells Park.
Entry to the event is open from 8am and a large congregational prayer featuring approximately 2,000 people will be taking place from 9am.
Event-goers will also be able to enjoy a free breakfast, refreshments, a bouncy castle, slides, and free ice cream.
An announcement on the date of the celebration will be made on the centre’s website on Thursday afternoon.
Attendees are asked to arrive by 8.30am for a prompt 9am start.
Record numbers are also expected to attend Maidenhead Mosque on either Friday or Saturday to observe prayer and festivities including food, sweet stalls, and cake.
Families will also be able to enjoy hours of fun at Traylens Funfair.
Zia Mahiudin, a trustee of the mosque, said: “Eid al-Fitr is an Arabic term that means ‘feast of breaking fast’ and it is a significant time for Muslims to celebrate the end of a very busy month of prayer, fasting, self-reflection, charity and fundraising for the new community centre.
“The festival is the biggest celebration of the year, we are expecting record attendance at the mosque again, with prayers and festivities, food, cake and sweet stalls.”
Zia said people will be marking the occasion by visiting their friends and family, enjoying feasts, exchanging gifts, wearing new clothes, and visiting the graves of their loved ones to say a prayer.
He added: “We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in the wider community a very happy Eid and we pray for everyone's health and happiness, success and prosperity on this blessed occasion.”