Eid al-Fitr 2024: Find out what events are taking place across Berkshire

A festival marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan will be taking place next week with events being hosted across Maidenhead, Windsor and Slough.

Eid al-Fitr marks the culmination of Ramadan, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and begins following the sighting if a crescent moon.

The period sees Muslims around the world fast from dawn until dusk for about a month.

The three-day Eid celebrations start following the sighting of a new moon and see families gather for food, festivities and to exchange gifts.

Eid celebrations are due to begin next week and plenty of events will be taking place across the community. 

Ahead of the celebrations, the Pakistan Welfare Association (PWA) is hosting a Pre-Eid Fair at its base at 50 Darvill’s Lane in Chalvey, Slough tomorrow (Saturday, April 6). 

From 1.30pm to 6pm, attendees will enjoy a host of activities, as well as food and the opportunity to shop.

Jewellery, perfumes, clothing, abayas, Iftar packs, partyware, and toys will be some of the items available, alongside Mehndi, arts and crafts and face painting.

Youngsters will also get to take part in a free kid’s competition, featuring prizes.

Visitors will have the opportunity to create their own bracelets and Eid cards, and there will also be free balloons for children.

For more information, visit: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pre-eid-fair-tickets-871824639967  

The Al-Tawheed Islamic Education Centre Maidenhead (TIECM) will be hosting an Eid in the Park event on either Tuesday, April 9 or Wednesday, April 10.

More than 2,000 people are expected to attend the Kidwells Park celebrations.

Entry will be from 8am, with those attending asked to arrive by 8.15am and prayers will start from 9am.

Attendees will enjoy free ice cream and if the weather is wet, the event will be moved to the centre’s base in Cookham Road and there will be two sessions of prayer, one at 9am and another at 10am.

Over at Maidenhead Mosque, Eid prayers will take place at the mosque on the day of the celebrations.

The mosque will provide four sittings of the Eid prayer to accommodate more than 2,000 worshippers who are expected to attend.

Visitors will wear new clothes and exchange Eid greetings and gifts to mark the occasion.

The mosque also regularly sets up stalls in its grounds and attendees are provided with free refreshments and a range of treats.

Zia Mahiudin, a trustee of Maidenhead Mosque, said: “It is always a very joyous event as it draws families closer together who may not be able to find the opportunity normally.

“This year the mosque is especially welcoming families new to the town and individuals struggling due to the cost-of-living crisis to share the festivities. 

“Maidenhead Mosque wishes everyone a very happy Eid. We pray that everyone’s fasts are accepted and your hearts are renewed.

"Also, a big thank you to the community and volunteers for all your support and prayers.”

In Windsor, celebrations will be taking place at an Eid in Windsor Park event, hosted by the Windsor Muslim Association.

The event in Dedworth Manor Park on Wednesday, April 10, will see people gather for a prayer at 9am, which will be followed by a sermon.

Attendees will enjoy a bouncy castle and ice cream as they celebrate together.

Are you hosting an Eid al-Fitr event next week? If so, email jadek@baylismedia.co.uk