Several Eid al-Adha Celebrations and outdoor prayers have been held in the different parts of the town e..g. at CYCD, Central Mosque, Wardown Park, Lewsey Park and Stockwood Park.
However, Colours of Eid festive celebrations held on Sat 16th Jul’22 at St George's Square were unique as people from different faiths were invited to join in an inclusive Eid Parade. There was so much more amusement added to the parade, as members and leaders from different faiths were asked to hold the cloud props, made up of white balloons, while walking down from Barclays Bank to St George’s Square led by the drummers with many other people of all ages dressed up in beautiful costumes.
The cloud props were named as “The Clouds of Blessings”.
Sarah Salim, the event coordinator, said, “The aim was to bring people together and closer to one another and to project and celebrate the diverse communities of Luton, especially those who are working hard to make Luton a better place for all.”
Thanking the partnership of GRASSROOTS, Luton Council of Faiths & Near Neighbours Programme, Sarah added, “The work you do is so significant. Long may you continue to bring Luton’s diverse communities together. I strongly feel that Luton town, and multifaith multicultural events like ours won't be the same without your presence and contributions.”
“When people connect, the Clouds become bigger symbolising unity and strength which brings more blessings for all. The Clouds celebrate all those who have gone through such challenging times through Covid-19 but they are still here working for the community.”
Eid al-Adha has been the second of the two Eid festivities Muslims celebrate worldwide.
“Eid Mubarak” is the traditional phrase used by Muslims to greet each other. The Arabic word “mubarak” translates as “blessed,” while “Eid” means feast, festival or celebration.
Eid al-Adha, known as the “Festival of the Sacrifice”, honours the famous story of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham for Christians and Jews) willing to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command. However, before Ibrahim did it, God produced a lamb for him to sacrifice instead.
To commemorate this, Muslims sacrifice meals and give money to charities like Luton Food Bank to feed the poorer families in our town and also donate to buy the livestock to feed people in need worldwide.
Commending this fact, Catholic Bishop David Oakely, during his recent visit to Luton’s Central Mosque and Discover Islam Centre, said, “I want to say a huge thank you for the sacrifices Muslim communities have made and for all your heroic efforts, literally helping to save lives by giving generously to those in need and looking after the vulnerable as you have through food donations and other help. Let me wish, hope and pray that all Muslims, here in the UK and around the world, will have had the very best for Eid-al Adha. Eid Mubarak once again.”
Luton Council, UKCCA and Faith Leaders with Clouds of Blessings at Colors of Eid Festival in St George's Square, Luton
Luton Council, UKCCA and Faith Leaders with Colors of Eid Parade Participant