Celebrating Eid al-Fitr

Muslims gather for holiday party at the high school

by Mark Jahne

Editor

Photos by Mark Jahne

Eid al-Fitr is a major holiday in the Islamic faith. It marks an end to the 30-day observance of Ramadan that requires followers to refrain from eating or drinking anything from sunrise until sunset.

The occasion is a joyous one and is celebrated with food, music and family. As the diversity of enrollment in the Cromwell Public Schools continues to grow, educators decided that this holiday should become part of the district’s culture as well.

The party was a family affair for Mohamed Darwesh, Nesma Ahmed, Rokaia Fathy, Farida Fahty and Ahmed Fathy.

A gathering for families with children enrolled in all grades in the district was held the evening of March 24 in the Cromwell High School cafeteria. People came in traditional clothing and brought along food, beverages and decorations common to this holiday.

Among those present was Christina Williams, a Spanish teacher at CHS. She is also the faculty advisor to the World Language Club.

CHS teacher Christina Williams welcomes Iram Choudhary to the celebration.

“This is our second year doing the Eid festival,” Williams said.

Also on hand was Principal Andrew Kuckel.

“We always had an International Fair. We have a much more diverse population than we had in the past,” he said.

Haxin Naavui, Mehwish Ramzan and Eman Naavui.

He cited the Hindu holiday of Diwali as another example of cultural awareness.

“We had a great turnout for this last year” he said as the first of many Eid guests entered the cafeteria. “The conversations with parents have been awesome.” CL

Teacher Christina Williams chats with Ammara Aleem, Zarah Aleem and little Iman Fatima.

Azeem Sarwar, an immigrant from Pakistan, sang holiday songs with the help of a karaoke machine.

This colorful poster explains the background of Eid al-Fitr and its importance to those who practice the Islamic faith.