Sydney Eid Al-Fitr Festival 2014

From the organizers to exhibitors and visitors, thousands of people flocked to the grounds of Paul Keating Park Bankstown in an awe-inspiring, vibrant and rich presence of multicultural peace and integration. {gallery}eid-fir2014-2{/gallery}

The liveliness, energy and buzz day of day two, like day one of the spectacular festival, offered both the elders and the children an opportunity to celebrate and mark one of the most important occasions on the Islamic calendar – Eidul-fitr al-mubarak. 

{gallery}eid-fitr-2014{/gallery}

Sunday 3rd August 2014

The varied communities who participated in this event were a testament to the value of building a culturally diverse, socially cohesive and harmonious nation.  They were therefore able to recognize the positive contribution that the Muslim community adds to our culturally diverse country.  

The festival drew people towards the remarkable performances, the array of diverse stalls of food, clothing, books and home-wares, increased variety of rides, much improved organisation and very smooth management. It also successfully provided lots of entertainments and recreations to the youngsters, particularly the children, both boys and girls. 

The main highlight of the event was the appearance on the stage of the renowned, scholar in the Qur’an Recitation the guest of honor, Sheikh Samir Dabliz who captivate the listeners with his beautiful recitation of verses of the Holy Qur’an.

Among the diverse variety of energizing performances were those presented by the ICPA chanting band and the Muslim Kids Club who braced the event with enthusiasm and excitement. 

Another highlight of the event was the kid’s show that was presented live at the grounds of Paul Keating Park, Bankstown. The presenters gave exclusive opportunities to many children to participate and be rewarded for their efforts.  

While celebrating this blissful occasion, the many attendees reflected upon the present and enduring brutality and misery being experienced by those in Palestine. Thus, participants at the Eid Festival were also felt sorrow and sadness as they remembered their brothers and sisters in Palestine, asking Allah to alleviate their hardship and sorrow. 

The event was not only to celebrate, but was also a renewed opportunity to invite the Muslims to live in peace, love, unity and other virtues inspired by Islam.

Among those present at the event were Federal Member for Reid Mr. Craig Laundy MP representing the prime Minister the Hon  Tony Abbot, Mr Laurie Ferguson MP representing leader of the opposition Mr Bill Shorten, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Services Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells,  Federal Member for Banks Mr David Colmen,  , Mrs Tania Mihailuk MP shadow minister for trading representing leader of the opposition John Robertson, Mr Paul Lynch MP Shadow Attorney General, Mrs Barbara Perry and Khal Asfour Mayor for Bankstown.

Speeches were also made by his eminence Shaykh Bilal Homaysi representing the Islamic Charity Projects Association, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Shafie representing the Islamic High Council of Australia, Mr Muhammad El-Dana, Al Amanah College Principal, Mr Mohammad Khayat Manager of 2MFM Radio station , Mrs. Faten El-Dana OAM President of the  Muslim Women Welfare Association, , Mr. Abdul Ghaniyy Ghannoum representing Australian Muslim Youth

The Muslim Community Radio not only broadcasted the event, but was an active participant and key ingredient in the success of the Sydney Eid festival. The Muslim Community Radio played a key role in propagating a real sense of celebration and festivity not only by broadcasting the whole event live on air but also by announcing the laptop winners, as well as drawing the names of other prize participants live on stage. 

Many of the regular 2mfm listeners articulated their valuable feedback and appreciation and expressed how much of an instrumental element the Muslim Community Radio plays in their daily lives, giving them a medium through which their voice is represented and heard.  

Following 2mfm’s presentation, an outstanding attraction then captivated the audience at Paul Keating Park with a stunning display of fireworks lighting up the sky, marking the end of the family-friendly event that left the attendees with a pounding heart and unforgettable memories. 

Although participants came from different cultural backgrounds and spoke different languages, through the Sydney Eid festival, participants all met and celebrated their diversity; this allowed them to each go home with an authentic and heart-warming story to tell.

The Muslim Community radio extends their hearty congratulations to the organizers and volunteers of the Sydney Eid festival and wishes them all the best in their endeavor to serve the multicultural Muslim communities in Australia.