Take part in Eid celebrations

“My first celebration of Eid Al-Adha was so incredibly beautiful, peaceful, and enjoyable! The whole day was centered around family and friends—I don’t think I was alone for a moment all day— and my cheeks hurt from smiling so much by the end of it. My host family and I left Rabat the night before, heading to their grandmother’s house in a nearby town, and when we arrived, we spent several hours talking, laughing, and sharing stories over tea on the terrace.”

“The next day, on “actual” Eid, I traded in heels for sneakers to style my traditional custom made, intricately designed, “Shalwar-Kameez” (top and pants) which I had brought over from home. My culinary adventure included the famous Dhakai Kacchi Biriyani – a landmark celebratory dish from Dhaka (popular during weddings) made famous when it was the Mughal empire’s capital. Besides Kacchi, I made “Shemai” a traditional sweet breakfast dish made with crunchy toasted vermicelli. I also had Bengali roast chicken and potatoes, kebabs, salads and a plum chutney. Thanks to the rich diversity of Leeds, I was easily able to get all the ingredients at multiple supermarkets, and my home was filled with familiar aromas from home, here in my new home with international friends whom I could show this to.”

“Our Eid morning mosque visit is always a highlight. It’s so fun seeing our community members, friends, and family, and starting our Eid morning with them. All the kids look adorable in their new dresses and clothes, and they’re all running around on a holiday high, with promises of treats and gifts in the air.”