For weeks, many Muslim New Yorkers have been fasting from dawn to sunset while focusing on prayer, reflection and charity. The month of Ramadan culminates in Eid al-Fitr, a celebration marked by gatherings, gifts, food and acts of generosity, on March 19 and 20.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For non-Muslims, it can also be an opportunity to learn, show support and celebrate alongside neighbors. As we\u2019ve previously reported in our guide to Ramadan etiquette<\/a>, small gestures \u2014 like being mindful about eating in front of fasting coworkers and wishing someone \u201cEid Mubarak\u201d \u2014 can go a long way.<\/p>\n Another way to show support is by patronizing Muslim-owned businesses. As Documented has reported<\/a>, shops in Jackson Heights and Jamaica that rely on Ramadan for a seasonal boost have seen far less foot traffic this year. Owners cite icy weather and fears of stepped-up ICE enforcement.\u00a0<\/p>\n Here are some ways to celebrate Eid in New York while supporting Muslim-owned businesses and neighbors as Ramadan comes to a close.\u00a0<\/p>\n QUEENS<\/p>\n Enjoy a community Eid festival and market in Astoria<\/p>\n NYC Eid Festival and Market Ticket sales have been extended for an Eid festival hosted by Malikah<\/a>, a Queens-based anti-violence organization. Originally planned as a Ramadan night market<\/a>, the event will feature:<\/p>\n Halal food vendors<\/p>\n Cultural performances and music<\/p>\n Modest fashion and handmade goods<\/p>\n Gifts and small-business vendors<\/p>\n The founder of Malikah and of the annual Eid market, Rana Abdelhamid, told Epicenter NYC last year that the festival was especially meaningful at a time when many community members feared Islamophobia, xenophobia, racism and immigration policy \u2014 concerns that remain present this Ramadan season.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIt feels like this is their street because it is like it\u2019s the one place that we can fully claim in the midst of all this insecurity,\u201d Abdelhamid said<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Learn more and order tickets here<\/a>.<\/p>\n The festival is designed as both a celebration and a community fundraiser. Malikah is raising money to build what organizers say would be western Queens\u2019 first shelter specifically for Muslim women<\/a>.<\/p>\n How to further support: Malikah is also organizing its fifth annual Ramadan grocery distribution to provide food bags for low-income Muslim women in Queens.<\/p>\n Donations can be sent via Venmo (@WEAREMALIKAH) or Zelle (movement@malikah.org) with \u201cRamadan bags\u201d in the memo.<\/p>\n Attend an Eid party with local musicians\u00a0<\/p>\n Several overnight Eid parties across Queens will feature Bollywood DJs and even artists from the Epicenter network:<\/p>\n Who: Headlined by DJ Dharak and musician Anik Khan (ONEK)<\/p>\n When: March 20, 10 p.m.\u00a0<\/p>\n Where: The Palace at 63-01 Roosevelt Ave.\u00a0<\/p>\n Cost: $20 for a limited number of discount tickets; $39.19 for general admission.<\/p>\n More: Headliner Khan was recently honored alongside other artists at an Iftar event co-hosted by Epicenter NYC<\/a>. His recent performance in a short film, \u201cfuk For Unseen Kids<\/a>,\u201d speaks directly to the insecurity Abdelhamid alludes to \u2014 and the need to be yourself with your community.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Who: Headlined by Muza, Two Sisterz and Farroque Bhai Project<\/p>\n When: March 20, 10 p.m.<\/p>\n Where: South Beach of NY, Olympia Bar & Lounge at 23-44 Steinway St.\u00a0<\/p>\n Cost: $23.18 for early-bird tickets; $33.85 for general admission. $215.26 for a table for 4, $321.96 for a table for 6; $428.67 for a table for 8.\u00a0<\/p>\n BROOKLYN\u00a0<\/p>\n Support Ramadan mutual aid<\/p>\n One of the core values of Ramadan is charity, known as zakat and sadaqah. Beyond Malikah, many local organizations focus on financial support and food distribution for vulnerable communities throughout the month.\u00a0<\/p>\n Based in Brooklyn but serving the whole city, Asiyah Women\u2019s Center<\/a>, NYC\u2019s first emergency shelter for Muslim, BIPOC and refugee women and children, is one of them. This Ramadan, the center has been assembling grocery boxes for domestic violence survivors, single mothers, undocumented New Yorkers facing deportation, among others.\u00a0<\/p>\n How to help: MANHATTAN<\/p>\n Bring your kids to celebrate at a children\u2019s museum<\/p>\n Eid al-Fitr celebration at the Children\u2019s Museum of Manhattan Families can learn about Eid traditions through crafts and performances. Activities include:<\/p>\n What: Children age 5 and older create their own watercolor postcards wishing friends and family a happy Eid al-Fitr.\u00a0<\/p>\n When: Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 20, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.<\/p>\n Eid moon binoculars craft workshops\u00a0<\/p>\n What: Children ages 4 and under can take a closer look at the moon and track its phases this Eid al-Fitr by decorating cardboard binoculars with festive colors.<\/p>\n When: Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 20, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.\u00a0<\/p>\n Celebration and storytime<\/p>\n
<\/a>When: Saturday, March 21, 1 to 6 p.m.
Where: Steinway Street, Astoria
Cost: $15 for entry and one raffle ticket; extra raffle tickets are $8 each<\/p>\n
You can donate to the project at bit.ly\/malikahshelter.<\/p>\n
You can donate items from the shelter\u2019s wish list<\/a> or sign up to volunteer<\/a> this Ramadan. Volunteers and donations<\/a> are accepted year-round.\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/a>When: March 18-20<\/p>\n