Sydney Eid Festival 2013-Eid Al-Adha
Written by 2MFM on 3 October 2013
What was that word again? Fan-Festival-Tastic! That’s right… a word which very fittingly describes the atmosphere we saw at the Sydney Eid Festival at Bankstown’s Paul Keating Park on Sunday 20th October 2013 ….
Apart from the amazing atmosphere, it was immensely heart-warming to see such a vibrant diversity of participants and attendees who flocked in their hundreds if not thousands to come and join the festivities in a show of overwhelming ‘Multicultural Unity’, unlike anything else seen in Bankstown since the last Sydney Eid Festival at Paul Keating Park.
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It was this vivacious atmosphere and vibrant diversity that made it such a privilege for the Muslim Community Radio to cover this breath-taking event, and to also be an active participant in the midst of such a magnificent crowd.
The Muslim Community Radio with all its staff and volunteers were delighted and proud to convey through its airwaves, the excitement and joy brought about by sensational chanting performances by a range of bands and ethnic chanting groups who captured the attention and hearts of the crowd.
Among the performances were those presented by the Muslim Kids Club, a band of male youths, the ICPA chanting band, a Bosnian Chanting Duo and a budding young female chanting group called ‘Inspire’…and inspire they did.
As the day progressed, the festive atmosphere intensified, and it was time for the Muslim Community Radio to shine and once again seize the attention of a rapidly expanding crowd.
The Muslim Community Radio’s exciting program began with a speech delivered by 2mfm Director, Mr Khayat, who conveyed 2MFM President, Mr Mehio’s well wishes to the Muslim community on the blessed occasion of Eidul Ahda. Mr Khayat then proceeded to address the audience in his capacity as Director of the Muslim Community Radio with the following message:
“On behalf of the 2mfm board I would like to convey a special THANK YOU to all our sponsors who have instilled full trust in 2mfm. Thank you for all your additional generosity in donating the various gifts and prizes to our listeners.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the 2mfm staff and volunteers, because it is through your day-to-day hard work that we deliver quality radio service.
Finally, and while celebrating this joyful occasion we cannot overlook the misery and hardship that our fellow Australians are enduring nowadays as a result of the recent fires, some of which are still burning as we speak. Assisting victims of fires is not new to 2MFM who in the past has always contributed in the relief process particularly during Sydney and Canberra bush fires. Therefore, I would like to reiterate the previous calls for generous donations for this human cause.”
From there on, an ecstatic buzz of excitement could be felt and heard as the widely dispersed attendance made their way to the front. By this time the majority of people had directed their eyes and attention towards the stage in anticipation of the major prize draw and the announcement of the prize winners who would have been among the hundreds who had called and participated in 2mfm’s Eidul-Adha live programs and competitions.
The major prize draw began with the announcement of the winners of the Kids Eidul-Adha Competition as part of the popular Kids Show, and 2mfm’s youngest participants were the first to have their suspense lifted, as the presenters of the Kids Show drew the names of children who had excelled in the month long competition.
The faces of the young winners – some of whom were so young they had to be escorted onto the stage – beamed with joy and enthusiasm as they collected their valuable prizes, which included tablets, cash and vouchers.
As the children filed off the stage, tensions and suspense rose once again among the audience, and especially among the participants of Community Connect and Together on Air, as they eagerly awaited the announcement of a further 5 winners.
This was to be followed by the draw announcing the winners who had participated in a range of Arabic programs, and conducted by the Arabic speaking program presenters.
With the conclusion of 2mfm’s major prize draw and the announcement of the tens of overjoyed winners, the time was nearing for yet another exhilarating presentation.
Just after 8pm, all eyes were drawn to the sky as it lit up in a spectacular display of loud and colourful fireworks, complemented by the cheering of the adults, the applause of the children and the sounds of the chanting band on stage.
By the time the fireworks had ended it was pleasing to see crowds of people still gathered around the stalls of food, clothing and home-wares, not yet ready to call it a day. However, like all things, even the most exciting of occasions and events must come to an end, and that one surely did, but not without leaving behind some amazing memories with all who attended, which should be sufficient to keep them going until the next Sydney Eid Festival in 2014!
2MFM management and staff extend the warmest of thanks to all who contributed to the success of the day and look forward to participating and covering many more of these sensational events in the future!
We ask Allah to bestow his blessings upon you and grant you and your family both, health and wealth in the year ahead.
