Brooklyn Children’s Museum hosts a global Eid al-Fitr festival on March 28, with celebratory activities and performances that reflect the diverse traditions of the Muslim world.
Visitors can learn Kathak dance steps rooted in centuries of Indian classical tradition, join a Sufi drum circle, delight in stories and songs about Eid, enjoy delicious food, and visit the henna design station. The festival offers fun for the whole family and is presented in partnership with APNA Community Services, Turkish Cultural Center, Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts and The Culture Tree.
The Eid al-Fitr holiday officially concludes the month of Ramadan and is the celebratory breaking of the fast. It is observed by some as a three-day holiday and can include prayer services, the eating of sweet treats, time spent visiting relatives, dressing up in new clothes, and decorating with lights. Common greetings include “Eid Mubarak” (“Blessed Eid”) and “Eid Sa’id” (“Happy Eid”).
“Eid al-Fitr is a joyful celebration observed by thousands of Brooklynites each year, bringing families together through shared traditions and cultural expression," said Atiba T. Edwards, president and chief executive officer of Brooklyn Children’s Museum. "While every family celebrates Eid in their own way, the essence of the holiday remains the same: gratitude and togetherness. Whether Eid is part of your family’s traditions or you’re experiencing it for the first time, Brooklyn Children’s Museum is the place to celebrate together and learn from one another."
Festival Itinerary:
Henna Designs in ColorLab
10:15am – 12:15pm, 1:30pm – 5:00pm
Visitors are invited to BCM’s art studio to learn about the tradition of henna with The Culture Tree. Participants will explore its cultural significance and create their own designs on paper.
Henna Tattoo Table
11:00am – 4:30pm
Artists from The Culture Tree will create henna designs for visitors to wear.
Community Activity Tables
11:00am – 4:30pm
APNA Community Services and the Turkish Cultural Center’s Youth Academy will present hands-on activities and games for families.
Food Vendors
11:00am – 4:30pm
The Turkish Cultural Center will offer a diverse and delicious selection throughout the day.
Kathak Dance Workshop
11:15am – 11:45am, 1:00pm – 1:30pm
This interactive program explores the story of Eid through Kathak, a classical Indian dance form. Led by The Culture Tree and Sandhya Rajkumar, the workshop combines storytelling and movement.
Bangladeshi Dance Performance
12:00pm – 12:30pm, 2:30pm – 3:00pm
The Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts (BIPA) presents performances featuring classical dance traditions including Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Manipuri.
Storytime with Anu Sehgal
12:30pm – 1:00pm
Anu Sehgal, author of I Am a Lotus, Founder of The Culture Tree, leads a storytelling session.
Create a Date Workshop
1:30pm – 2:00pm
This hands-on workshop introduces the significance of dates during Eid. Participants will get a date to decorate and taste them afterwards!
Wahab Orchestra Performance
1:45pm – 2:15pm, 4:00pm – 4:30pm
The Wahab Orchestra presents a musical performance inspired by classical Middle Eastern, Turkish, Kurdish, and Islamic traditions.
Storytime with Zainab Khan
2:00pm – 2:30pm
Zainab Khan, author of Noura’s Crescent Moon, presents a storytelling session.
Sufi Drumming Circle
3:15pm – 4:00pm
Brother Mustafa of The Culture Tree leads an interactive drumming circle featuring Sufi-inspired rhythms and music.
