One of the most interesting incidents that took place on a voyage between India and New Zealand was a Muslim Religious Festival.
Following is a recording
“Among the passengers by the SS Aparima from Calcutta on her last voyage to New Zealand, was a Mohammedan Priest who performed the ‘Korban Ede’ or ‘Feast of the Sacrifice’ for the Mohammedan crew, and most of the third class passengers who were bound for the sugar plantations in Fiji.
“This Festival commemorates the day upon which Abraham went to slay his son Isaac, and a child is sacrificed at the alter being shown in the photographs. After the prayers have been held, the Priest explains to his hearers the full purport of the sacrifice, and how one portion of the goat should be kept for the use of the family, one portion for the poor, and one portion for the friends of the family, showing kindness and friendliness to all.”
I assume that the Mohammedan Priest was Mullah Mirza Khan.
Editor’s Note: The Festival obviously relates to Eid Al Ada, known in India as ‘Bakrid.’
