DEARBORN — The annual “Eid Festival” was held on Sunday, Aug. 11. Abathar Alkudari, a festival organizer, said that close to 7,000 people attended the event, which was, once again, a success in its fourth year. 

The festival took place on the soccer field that is adjacent to the Henry Ford Centennial Library.  Its focus was family-oriented, and it featured several activities for children. 

The “Eid Festival” is a collaborative effort by diverse community organizations from the Dearborn/Detroit Metropolitan area, to host a cultural, entertaining and educational social event for the community, during the annual celebration of Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr is the holiday that concludes the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, where Muslims are required to fast daily, from dawn until dark, refraining from food and beverages and engaging in community service to assist those less fortunate in the community. Fasting aids in strengthening one’s moral character, helping them to appreciate the daily blessings of food and water and to sympathize with those who are less fortunate.

Festival attendees traveled from Canada and other states, including Ohio and Illinois. All proceeds from the Festival will be used to support scholarships for the youth.  

“One of the unique things about this festival is that it is organized by 20 organizations and they’re not only Islamic organizations; they also include secular and humanitarian groups,” Alkudari said.