Dear Editor,
Guyanese and other Muslims across the New York metro area on Sunday celebrated the festival of Eid-ul-Adha. I drove around the greater Richmond Hill area and observed Guyanese Muslims gathering at their respective mosques early in the morning all dressed up in traditional attire for prayer. The Al Abidin and Jama Masjids and other mosques in the greater Richmond Hill were packed with Guyanese worshippers on Sunday morning and for the 1pm Salaat.
The turnout was not as massive as for Eid-ul-Fitr in September, but big nevertheless on a cold frosty morning.
Many Muslims sacrificed animals at the slaughterhouse in Richmond Hill next to the Guyanese Jama Masjid. From as early as 7 am, worshipers gathered to pray. By 9am, prayers had concluded. Animals were slaughtered and the meat was handed over to the respective families.
The meat was later shared among family, friends and the poor. Many invited friends and relatives for lunch and dinner. Some said they made sawine and vermicelli cake as dessert and some planned to take goodies to co-workers the following day.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
