Staff Reporter –
Pakistani women will mark the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan and look for the ‘New Moon,’ heralding in the process the new month of ‘Shawwal’ which also marks the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Organised by the Women’s Wing of the Pakistan Association of New Zealand (PANZ), this important religious and social event will be held on Friday, July 17, 2015 at the Mount Roskill War Memorial Hall located at 13 May Road in Mt Roskill in Auckland.
Women’s Wing President Dr Saba Tasneem said that the event will feature stalls selling various ethnic foodstuffs, clothes, jewellery and mehndi.
“The stalls will be organised and managed by women since ‘Chand Raat’ is a ‘women’s only’ programme. For the convenience of families, we have arranged a special facility for men who drive their families to the venue. They can mix and mingle with their friends and relatives in a separate hall,” she said.
First in New Zealand
Dr Tasneem said that ‘Chand Raat’ is being organised for the first time in New Zealand and that there is considerable excitement among the members of the community.
“Chand Raat is a time of celebration when families and friends gather in open areas towards the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan to spot the New Moon, which signals the arrival of the Islamic Month of Shawwal and the first day of Eid Al Fitr. Once the Moon is sighted, people wish each other ‘Chand Raat’ or ‘Eid Mubarak’ and pray for the welfare of all,” she said.
It is traditional for women and girls to decorate their hand with mehndi or henna. Desserts for the Eid next day is usually prepared after ‘Chand Raat.’
Festive atmosphere
According to Dr Tasneem, ‘Chand Raat’ is a popular observance in Pakistan, with streets wearing a festive look and brightly decorated shopping malls open until late in the night.
“This event is celebrated all over South East Asia, comparable to Christmas Eve in Christian countries. Chand Raat is open to women of all ethnic groups,” Dr Tasneem said.
For stall booking and further information, please email panznz@gmail.com
