Eid Festival 2003

Muslims Celebrate Eid al-Adha 2003
Ottawa Muslim Network

February 16, 2003/Dhul-Hijjah 14, 1424

Tickets for this year's Eid Festival were sold out once again, but that did not stop optimistic members of the Ottawa Muslim community to show up at the door hoping to convince organizers to allow them to attend this popular event.

Approximately 2000 people attended the Eid Festival to celebrate Eid Al-Adha, the 'festival of sacrifice' celebrated at the end of the Pilgrimage to Mecca (the Hajj).

Amidst the line-ups for games, rides, and food, greetings of Assalaamu alaikum (peace be unto you), and Eid Mubarak (blessings of Eid) were exchanged with friends, relatives, and acquaintances.

Ever popular were the many varieties of food: samosas, chaplikabab, biryani, swarma, pizza, Pilaow, borek, and wings.

But this was a day for the kids, who could not get enough of the games and rides. Parents being tugged and pulled to move from one activity to the next while they try to hold on to the balloons, candy floss, and soft drinks.

This was an event for the young families, the older youths many of whom have outgrown the games and activities over the last seven years of this event, are now volunteers and coordinators, and volunteer for other community activities in the city.

Omaima Faris, long-time Coordinator of the Eid Festival, is hoping that more of the youths will take leadership roles in planning and organizing the Festival. She emphasized that the event takes a lot of effort and time and is hopeful that other members in the community would take over to ensure that the Festival continues for many years to come.

The Eid Festival would like to accommodate more people, however, Omaima has pointed out that there is a lack of suitable space at a reasonable price to accommodate large gatherings. As such the Coordinators are faced every year with limiting the number of tickets.

The Festival provides the opportunity for sponsors, including businesses and not-for-profit organizations, to promote their products and services. In the bazaar area, one can finds books, tapes, art work, charitable works, Islamic full-time and weekend schools, and clothing.

With the growing Muslim population in the Ottawa area, there is a demand for more services to serve the community. Islamic schools were promoting their successes and curricula, while other community groups were informing members of human rights issues.

Among the displays, was a survey to gather information and support for banking and investment services based on Islamic principles. One of the much needed services in a fast growing community is the need for house financing. A drawback for many Muslims is the lack of Riba-free (many Muslims avoid interest based financing such as mortgages) financing available for new home owners.

The Festival is dependent on donations and financial support from sponsors, businesses and individuals. Once again this year, there were tremendous support to ensure that the festival provides an opportunity for Muslims from various backgrounds to gather and celebrate a common festival based on their faith.

As the first session of the Festival came to an end, and volunteers were preparing for the evening session, first-time attendees were already talking about attending the Eid Festival the following year.