• Mabel Pais

The Brooklyn Children’s Museum (BCM – brooklynkids.org) will host Celebrate Eid al-Fitr on Sunday, April 14, a fun-filled festival of music, dance, art, and food that will take place from 11 am to 4 pm.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting. Traditionally, people celebrate the holiday by gathering with family and friends, exchanging gifts, and greeting each other.

At Brooklyn Children’s Museum, visitors will learn the story of Eid al-Fitr, enjoy hands-on activities, and celebrate cultural traditions from across the Muslim world with New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif and an array of cultural partners, artists, and performers.

Visitors of all ages will be experiencing the intricate rhythmic patterns of Indian classical dance with the Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts (bipainc.com), discover the story of Eid at an engaging puppet show presented by The Culture Tree (theculturetree.com), hear Turkish, Kurdish, and Islamic classical music performed by the Wahab Orchestra, and learn Sufi-inspired songs at an interactive drumming circle led by Brother Mustafa.

Celebrate Eid al-Fitr is presented in partnership with Council Member Shahana Hanif (council.nyc.gov), Turkish Cultural Center (turkishculturalcenter.org), The Culture Tree (theculturetree.com), and Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts (bipainc.com).

“I am proud to join the Brooklyn Children’s Museum on our joint and annual celebration of Eid al-Fitr on April 14th!”  says New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif.  “This festival embodies the spirit of the diversity of Muslim communities and cultures, offering a wonderful opportunity for families and young ones from across the borough and beyond to come together and learn about the significance of Eid. This year, more than ever, our unity as a community is essential. It’s been an honor collaborating with this vital Brooklyn institution to curate an inclusive and family-centered event. I always look forward to engaging with visitors as we explore the diverse traditions of our Muslim neighbors through music, dance, art, and food. It’s events like these that truly enrich our city and foster empathy and appreciation.”

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif and our amazing cultural partners to present a truly inclusive and engaging Eid al-Fitr celebration, now in its seventh year,” says Atiba T. Edwards, President and CEO of Brooklyn Children’s Museum. “Working with such a diverse and dedicated group of organizations is an incredible opportunity, and we look forward to sharing this special day with families from all backgrounds.”

TICKETS

Tickets are priced based on general admission, discounted for grandparents, and FREE for children under one-year-old. General admission tickets include access to all special programs and Museum exhibits. To purchase tickets, visit brooklynkids.org/programs/eid-al-fitr.

The Festival Partners

Shahana Hanif (council.nyc.gov/district-39)

New York City Councilmember Shahana Hanif represents the 39th Council District, which includes parts of Kensington, Borough Park, Windsor Terrace, Park Slope, Gowanus, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, and the Columbia Waterfront. Born and raised in District 39 to Bangladeshi immigrant parents, Shahana has spent her life fighting for working-class families and a city rooted in care, equity, and justice for all.

The Turkish Cultural Center (turkishculturalcenter.org)

The Turkish Cultural Center is a non-political, non-governmental, not-for-profit civic entity that was established in 2006 by Turkish Americans that want to promote a strong Turkish American friendship with the hopes that it would promote peace throughout not just between these two great nations but the rest of the world.

The Culture Tree (theculturetree.com)

The Culture Tree’s mission is to promote South Asian culture through educational and enrichment programs.

The Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts (bipainc.com)

The Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts (BIPA), works to promote Bengali arts and language in New York City’s growing multicultural communities by offering accessible classes and providing platforms for emerging artists and performers.

Brooklyn Children’s Museum (brooklynkids.org)

Inspired by the energy and diversity of the borough of Brooklyn, Brooklyn Children’s Museum creates experiences that ignite curiosity, celebrate identity and cultivate joyful learning. Founded in 1899 as the world’s first children’s museum,  the Brooklyn Children’s Museum (BCM) is New York City’s largest cultural institution designed especially for families. Proudly based in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, BCM serves 300,000 children and caregivers annually with exhibits and programs grounded in visual arts, music and performance, natural science, and world cultures. For more information, visit brooklynkids.org.

(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)