By AIDAN KNIGHT
EID festival once again brought community together in a day of culture and connection.
The annual celebration, marking the end of Ramadan, drew more than 700 people of all backgrounds on Saturday, April 18 to Gippsland Heritage Park.
Organised by the United Muslim Sisters of the Latrobe Valley and led by Arfa Khan, the festival has grown into what she describes as the only dedicated Eid event in Gippsland – and one that is “open for everyone.”
“These festivals are all about having a good time – families, friends, enjoying yourself,” Ms Khan said.
“This is the only Eid festival in Gippsland … it is open for everyone.”
Ms Khan said several comments of “we’ll be back next time” were cheerily made upon departure at the festival’s conclusion.
The festival grounds were filled with the sounds and sights of a community celebration – jumping castles, rides, reptiles, a petting zoo, face painting and live performances. Cultural foods were also a highlight, for those having taken part in Ramadan, and those in the community branching out to try something new. Traditional performers travelled from Melbourne to take part, sharing their arts culture, adding to the festival’s diverse multicultural feel.
For Ms Khan and the United Muslim Sisters, the festival is about much more than rides and food. It is an opportunity for people
to meet in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
“People need to come out of their fear and comfort zone and try to explore,” she said.
“That’s how you really engage with other community members, people from different backgrounds and cultures … these kind of events are basically an open, welcoming space for people to engage.”
As Ms Khan explained, people from minority groups living in regional areas often wonder if they will be welcomed at community events.
The Eid festival flips that experience for many people in a positive way, welcoming anyone and everyone.
“The fun part is there, but it’s just getting the people to know that this festival has everything that any festival would have, but a little spin and cultural touch to it,” Ms Khan said.
Ms Khan said many visitors were curious about the religious and cultural significance of Eid. She explained that Muslims celebrate two major Eids each year: one following Ramadan (Eid-al-fitr), and another after the Hajj pilgrimage (Eid al-Adha).
In Moe, because of budget and workload, the community combines the spirit of both Eids into one big festival each year, usually around late April or May, so everyone can come together for one major event.
Organisers were pleased to see the festival not only go ahead, but grow.
With strong attendance, warm weather and an atmosphere Ms Khan described as “positive” and “welcoming”, the local Eid festival is cementing its place as a key date on the Latrobe Valley’s multicultural calendar.
