Cross-cultural celebrations for Eid

Cardiff Business School, which is home to a dynamic international community, recently held a celebration marking Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan.

The Eid celebrations, which are observed by Muslims at the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, commenced on Saturday 24 June and ended Sunday 25 June. The Business School’s event was held in conjunction with Cardiff University’s Islamic Society (ISoc) and co-organised by Dr Jane Lynch, Director of Student Experience. It took place on Thursday 29 June 2017 at the Postgraduate Teaching Centre.

The event was an opportunity for Business School staff and students to come together to share diverse foods and sweet treats (including Arabic pastries and sweets), participate in nasheed (a form of Arabic acapella or vocal music) and partake in henna painting. There was also a display of artwork created by members of ISoc.

The event formed part of the Business School’s overarching #givesomethingback campaign, and this event specifically was raising funds for the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Dr Jane Lynch said: “This was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the cultural and religious rituals of Ramadan and Eid. It follows similar events we have held to mark holidays and festivals important to our diverse international community, such as Chinese New Year.

“These events bring together staff and students and foster bonds of friendship as well as greater cross-cultural respect. They also continue to raise funds for our overarching charity campaign. Thank you to everyone who attended and to Cardiff University’s Islamic Society for its contributions.”