Eid al-Fitr Celebration Unites Greater Lowell’s Afghan Community
On Saturday, April 13th, dozens of members of the Afghan community gathered at First Baptist United Church in celebration of Eid Mubarak. Hosted through the efforts of MBMM, ACE Center for New Americans, ICNA Relief and New American Association of Massachusetts, this event played a key role in marking the end of the fast of Ramadan.
The event formally began at 1:30 pm on Saturday with an initial greeting by MBMM and ACE Center intern, Bahara Hussaini. This was then followed by opening remarks from MBMM Executive Director, Mar Imsong, who expressed his gratitude towards the staff, partners and selfless volunteers who helped coordinate the event, and truly made it a possibility.
Following these welcoming comments, Mr. Abdul Razaq Momrak then addressed the importance and significance of celebrating Eid, emphasizing its meaning to the Afghan and Muslim community.
During the afternoon, many festivities, performances and cultural displays were shared. This included Persian Poems from Nazanin Momrak and Hussain Mahdiyar, as well as Topics on Ramadan and Eid Day by Farnaz Momrak and Saliha Sharify. Afterwards, the celebration also featured a cultural performance by Viana Sharify and Nanazin Momrak.
Lastly, all attendees were encouraged to partake in having lunch prepared by members of the Afghan community. Specially made dishes included Kofta, Qabli Palaw, Biryani, Sabzi and more. To conclude the afternoon’s festivities, clothing and toys were provided to the families in attendance.
We would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to ICNA Relief and New American Association of Massachusetts for helping to sponsor and make our event possible! We are also very appreciative of the efforts of those from the Afghan community who helped organize and cater the event as well.