THE holy month of Ramadan is over with the sighting of the crescent moon on Monday night for the holiday on Tuesday. It was a month of restraint, kindness and self-control as people made their way nightly to the Masjid for prayers (at the sound of the Azan) and the breaking of the fast or “Iftaar”. Dressed in traditional clothing – men in white garb and women with Shalwars and head gear moved briskly to the mosque to answer the prayer call for an entire month. They broke the fast with eating kajoor or other dried fruits and drank chai or soft drink.
The large New York (NY-based Guyanese Muslims marked the end of fasting (or Rojah) with the celebration of Eid on Tuesday. Eid is one of the most celebrated festivals in the Islamic calendar among Guyanese.
Fasting for Muslims during the month of Rojah is one of the important pillars of Islam as revealed by the Prophet Muhammad in the Koran. Fasting does a lot of good to a person, mentally and physically. It improves on their health.
The Mulvis or Mejis explained to the large congregations that fasting should be done by all healthy Muslims because it gives a sense of one’s piousness and willingness to make sacrifices.
Each national group in New York has its own Masjid  — Bangladeshis, Pakistanis, Indians, Trinis, etc. having their own.  There are several Guyanese Masjids in New York – in the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn. Most Guyanese Muslims are settled in Queens in the greater Richmond Hill area. Various parts of Queens bubbled with activities with Eid celebration.  Entire areas were festooned with decorations. Lights flickered in the evenings at the homes of Muslims. Green balloons were seen around tents, the masjids and at some homes. 
Hundreds attended prayers in each of the Mosques on the final evening of fasting on Monday night when special meals were prepared and served to the congregation at the breaking of the fast. On early Tuesday morning, thousands turned out for the Salaat at every Masjid. Streets were closed to facilitate the congregants who were well dressed in new traditional attire.  Tents were constructed. Worshippers were also seen praying on the sidewalks with their footwear removed.  Men and women were separated during prayer service.
The celebrants are steeped in time-honoured culture and traditions bringing their customs from Guyana distributing sawine and other sweets. People made large donations to the masjids and to the Imam.  The poor also got handouts. Muslims exchanged gifts and cards.  Sawine and vermicelli cakes were distributed. Many embrace one and another and offer greetings.  There were many hugs and kisses on the cheeks with each saying “Eid Mubarak Ho”.
Clearly, Eid was infused with a festive zest and people celebrated with true colours amidst great gusto. Neon lights dazzled in a variety of hues as people basked in happiness. For the day, Muslims were well dressed with sherwanis, salwar kameez, lahenga, etc.
Eid is not a holiday in NY but parking rules were suspended for the occasion as it was also on Monday. And almost every Muslim took the day off and celebrated with entertainment.