What is Eid

DO YOU KNOW WHAT NAGAR KIRTAN IS ?- By Raveena Hargun

Nagar kirtan is where the Sikh celebrate Vaisakhi which is the spring of the harvest festival in punjabi.

This Traditionally happens in May every year in Reading. This procession of saffron-robed Panj Piare (which is the five Guru) which is followed by Guru Granth Sahib, which is our sikh bible which is placed on to a float. The road before the procession is cleared by Sewadars (Stewarts). What is the panj pyare which is the five beloved The men who were initiated into the khalsa (the brotherhood of the Sikh faith) under the leadership of the last of the ten Gurus, Gobind Singh, this started in 1699 CE. This panj pyare symbolised steadfastness and devotion. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the free celebrations and join in with the Nagar Kirtan which will begin with prayers and messages for peace. Shabad Kirtan (religious hymns) You walk behind the float by covering your head with a turban, chunni, scarf or rumal. Some people walk without shoes on as well but this is not required. You can come in traditional wear which is a suit for the women and kurta pajama for men however you can wear english clothes as long as they are not inappropriate. Normally The procession will begin from Gurdwara in Cumberland Road at 10.30am and will make its way to the Gurdwara on London Road in Reading then will go back to Cumberland Road because of Covid-19 its been canceled for the last two years but fingers crossed the Nagar Kirtan will happen this year. Also Free vegetarian food will then be served during the afternoon; which all are welcome to partake in.

WHAT IS EID? By Raveena Hargun

Eid is a two-day celebration that takes place after the month of Ramadan ends in which Muslims fast from food and drink from dawn to sunset. Eid Al- Fitr means’ The festival of breaking the fast. Eid was celebrated on Monday 2nd of May and Tuesday 3rd of May our Reading Muslim community got together to celebrate this special day. Is believed that the Holy Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad during the month of Ramadan,So, Muslims consider this a holy month and hold fast from dawn to dusk and dedicate themselves to praying to Allah. The second Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of this month. The food you eat on Eid is chicken biryani and baklava, halwa, Kheer and Shahi tukda and the most common dishes during Eid. Chom Choms, barfis, Gulab- Jamum Eid is typically recognised by praying, visiting family and friends, gift-giving, donating to charity, making traditional dishes and sweets, wearing new clothes, and much more. Men wear kurta and pajamas and they go to prayer first thing in the morning. Women wear a suit and get their nails and Mehndi / Henna done ready to celebrate. Sometimes they go and pray but they are mainly preparing food. Some even cook extra food and give it to the neighbourhood mosque to celebrate eid. Some people go to eat at restaurants as a family instead of cooking and then go to a family or friend’s house afterwards. On the other hand, some people do fireworks and celebrate with their family and friends and eat sweets, and play games I know a person who always plays monopoly every year on Eid because they love being competitive and enjoying themselves. Eid Mubarak to everyone that is celebrating in our Reading community.