The end of 2015 Eid celebrations in Kyrenia
By Chris Elliott……
Margaret Sheard and I were recently invited by Danish Afridi the Organiser and Vice Chairman of the TRNC Cricket League to join with him and fellow countrymen of the Pakistani community at the White Pearl, Indian Roof Top Restaurant in the old Kyrenia harbour on Sunday the 27th September to be with them when they celebrated Eid.
It was a wonderful sunny day as we all gathered on the rooftop and we were able to view the delights of this ancient harbour from a different perspective and see things we perhaps had not seen before.
As we all gathered there we sat down at a long table under umbrellas with a slight breezing blowing which cooled us down before we had a very pleasant lunch with chicken curry and the usual extras which were consumed with much enjoyment by all.
After lunch we spent time talking to the other guests and we asked Danish if he would tell us a little about the celebration of Eid and this is what he said.
“The festival is essentially a commemoration of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his only son in obedience to God (Allah) who interrupted him to say he was satisfied and Abraham need not sacrifice his son.
Muslims celebrate this event in the following ways.
- A sacrificial animal is prepared according to Halal traditions. This animal may be a sheep or a goat.
- The meat is divided into 3 parts. One for the family and the second for relatives and the third is given to the poor.
- This coincides with “HAAJ” when many Muslims go on a pilgrimage to Mecca, their holiest city.
The real aim is to bring Muslim people together at one focal point so that they may have the opportunity of meeting and celebrating together.
This was how this event was held in Kyrenia but of course, people were busy with their own lives, but many made the effort to attend and it was a great success.
We were delighted that many local non-Muslims also came and joined with us and we had a wonderful time together.”
Danish Afridi
Organiser and Vice Chairman of the TRNC Cricket League.
