BOSTON: Noreen Design, an art-based family owned business in Boston, will hold Fifth Annual Eid-ul-Azha Festival.
The evening of fun-filled festivities will take place on Thursday, 31 August 2017, from 6.00 pm-midnight at The DoubleTree by Hilton, 5400 Computer Drive, Westborough, MA. The event free and open to the public. However, guests are required to RSVP at this link: http://bit.ly/ND5EidA.
The event is based on the story of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) related in Chapter #37 of the Holy Quran. The sacrifice of his beloved son Ismail (Ishmail) as commanded by the Almighty Allah (God) was replaced at the last minute by a ram brought down by the Angel Jibraeel (Gabriel).
The festival is particularly significant as it marks the climax of Hajj or Pilgrimage, the fifth pillar of Islam, that Muslims with the physical and financial ability are required to participate in at least once in their lifetime. The event is a major Muslim holiday with special prayers at mosques and Islamic centers. In South Asia, the occasion is marked by new clothes, special foods and sweet dishes, and festivities.
Noureen Design’s family-friendly events aim to be a fun way to build bridges and share cultures. The organizers invite members of all communities to bring family and friends to celebrate with the South Asians of Boston.
“There are no boundaries,” says Waheed Khan of Noureen Design. “We invite everyone to come and see how we celebrate with all our communities. Eid means happiness. In India, we celebrate all festivals with families, relatives, friends and neighbors irrespective of their faith.”
Why are they doing this? Migrant communties, says Khan, often feel a sense of loneliness at such special occasions, with many of their families and dear ones being far away. Hosting such social get-togethers helps to recreate the culture and togetherness of the home country in an adopted country.
A variety of vendors, many of them traveling especially from all over northeast, will be at the venue selling designer clothing, saris, and other items including branded jewelry. Special activities planned for children will include a balloon twister and bouncing castle.
Besides snacks like chaat, samosa, kulfi (ice-cream) and paan (betel leaf), dinner will be available at subsidized rates including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
Noureen Design’s flagship activity Arts , mehndi (henna) applications) will be a draw as always. This cross-cultural enterprise with ancient roots all the way in India is now into its fourth generation of artists with Noureen Sultana and Waheed Khan’s two young sons.
EVENT AT A GLANCE:
- WHAT: Fifth Eid Ul Azha Festival by Noreen Design.
- DATE: Thursday, 31 August 2017
- TIME: 6.00 pm-midnight
- VENUE: The DoubleTree by Hilton, 5400 Computer Drive, Westborough, MA 0158
- TICKETS: FREE and open to the public. RSVP required. Tickets available on a first come first served basis at this link: http://bit.ly/ND5EidA
