For Immediate Release

ASB Showgrounds to Host Auckland Eid Day 2013 – Eid Al Adha

ASB Showgrounds, Auckland, New Zealand - Auckland Eid Day is proud to present Eid Al Adha, Muslims and members of the non-Muslim community are all invited to attend the joyous festival where the team of Auckland Eid Day is anticipating to welcome up to 10,000 visitors to come together at ASB Show grounds to celebrate the third annual Auckland Eid Day on 15 or 16 October 2013 (lunar dependant), from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. During Eid al-Adha, Muslims come together in celebration of both spiritual observance through prayer and charity, as well as merriment and achievement marking the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Consul General of Bangladesh, Ataur Rahman and members of the Auckland Council Ethnic Advisory panel are amongst those who have confirmed to attend this festival. Initiated by the Al-Manar Trust, this family based event aims to bring together the Muslim and wider community of different ethnicities, backgrounds and gender, to unite and enjoy the celebratory spirit of Eid al-Adha, the last of two major Islamic festivities observed by Muslims worldwide.

“Auckland Eid Day has become a cornerstone of Eid celebrations in Auckland and will continue to present the opportunity to the community to celebrate in a joyous and united atmosphere” said Ouadhah Ragued, Auckland Eid Day project manager. “I encourage everyone to join us and to immerse themselves in the festivities and experience the different cultures on display." With the intention of providing an environment of celebration for the Auckland Muslim community, Auckland Eid Day will begin with the traditional Eid prayer, followed by a variety of games, food stalls, educational displays, and a collection of stage shows presenting diverse cultural performances which will appeal to all family members from children to adults alike.

“Great feeling of an Eid atmosphere and wonderful way of getting Muslims to meet and spread the brotherhood around. Thanks for this great event.” said attendee Ismail Waja in his feedback to Auckland Eid Day. “The amazing feeling of fellowship amongst people of so many different ethnicities” added David Blocksidge

Since their launch in 2011, the biannual events have been considered a huge success by organisers and attendees with an attendance of approximately 3,500 people in 2011, 7,000 in 2012 and this year in August was the first Eid al-Fitr event which marked the end of Ramadan and welcomed up to 10,000 attendees. The Auckland Eid Day team hopes to continue growing these events to cater to the needs of Muslims across Auckland and to share the Islamic spirit of celebration with the wider Auckland community. As a community initiative, the 2013 festival is also sponsored by the majority of leading Muslim organisations and businesses in Auckland, including Imam Halal Meats, Shefco, Asma Yoghurt, Kebabs on Queen and Pita House.

According to official statistics, there are nearly 40,000 Muslims in New Zealand, the majority of which live in Auckland. For more information on this biannual initiative, visit Auckland Eid Day’s official website at: www.aucklandeidday.co.nz.

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