Guyanese observe Eid in N.Y.
By Vishnu Bisram
Stabroek News
December 14, 2002
The large Guyanese Muslim population in New York observed the festival of
Eid-ul-Fitr with traditional enthusiasm last week amidst prayers, thanksgiving feasts and the giving of alms.
Eid is one of the most important days for Muslims, but unlike in Guyana, it is not an official holiday in New York. However, New York City accorded recognition to the celebration by suspending parking rules last Friday. In addition, all of the Muslim-owned businesses were closed to mark the holiday.
Qawalis and qaseedas were also aired on the Pradeep Kumar show on TV in recognition of the festival and mainstream newspapers, TV and radio provided coverage of the festival. President George Bush also visited the Arabic Islam Institute and delivered an Eid message to the celebrants.
The festivities began early Friday morning with the azan (call to prayers), ablutions and prayers at all of the Guyanese mosques in Queens - in Richmond Hill, Hollis, Jamaica, Astoria, and Elmhurst -as well as in their homes, tents and hired catering halls to accommodate the huge turnout of worshipers.
After prayers, alms were distributed to the less fortunate and meals were served at the masjids, while invitations were issued to relatives and friends, including non-Muslims, to share lunch and dinner at Muslim homes. In the evening, delicacies, including vermicelli were distributed to neighbours, including non-Muslims as is the custom in Guyana.
The festivities marked the end of the pious observance of Ramadan which is the holy month of dawn-to-dusk fasting in the Islamic calendar.
During the holy month, Guyanese Muslims flocked to their masjids or jamaats at dusk. And one could have heard the azan over the microphone during the day and every evening from half a mile away from the magnificent Guyanese Al Abidin Mosque on Liberty Avenue. Guyanese attired in colourful Islamic garb crowded the masjids in congregations for night prayers that normally ended around 9 p.m.
