As the Muslim holy month of Ramadan draws to a close next week, Barking Town Hall will light up green to celebrate the ‘festival of breaking the fast’ – better known as Eid.

 

The colour is synonymous with the religion, often seen on many Islamic nation’s flags and represents celebration, purity and paradise. 

 

Eid comes after followers of Islam have observed a month-long test of their faith, with worshippers undergoing fasting during daylight hours and regular prayers.

Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr are important events in the religious calendar for our Muslim residents and the celebrations, like with many events we have seen over the last year, will once again be affected by the impact of coronavirus

Eid al-Fitr, to use the celebrations full name, takes place once the first sighting of the moon has been spotted on the final day of Ramadan, which is why the date of the festival can move. 

 

However, unlike Ramadan, worshippers are forbidden to fast during Eid, and feasts, sweet treats and presents are often enjoyed and exchanged during the day-long event. 

 

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, Cllr Saima Ashraf said: “Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr are important events in the religious calendar for our Muslim residents and the celebrations, like with many events we have seen over the last year, will once again be affected by the impact of coronavirus.

 

“As a show of support to the community, the Town Hall will be lit up in green. As we celebrate the completion of Ramadan, we'd like to wish all our Muslim residents a happy Eid Mubarak – we hope you enjoy the festivities, but please stay safe.”

 

Barking Town Hall will be illuminated in green from Tuesday 11 May through to Thursday 13 May to mark the celebrations.

 

It isn’t the first time the town hall has been bathed in colour. It is often illuminated to mark different occasions, having previously turned blue for the NHS, purple for Black Lives Matter and tri colour for women’s empowerment month.