British Columbia·Photos

Eid al-Fitr celebrations held across B.C. to mark end of Ramadan

Muslims across B.C. celebrated Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of month-long fasting between sunrise and sunset.

Ramadan considered the holiest month of the year for observers

A woman stands in a field of daffodils in Richmond, B.C.
People take pictures in a field of daffodils while celebrating Eid al-Fitr, a celebration at the end of Ramadan in Richmond, B.C on Wednesday April 10, 2024. (Ben Nelms/CBC)

Muslims across B.C. celebrated Eid al-Fitr on Wednesday morning, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

In Richmond, people gathered in prayer at the Minoru Arenas, but there were also Eid al-Fitr events held in other communities around B.C. like Nanaimo, Prince George and Penticton.

There was also a large gathering at B.C. Place Stadium in Vancouver.

This year, Ramadan began on March 10. During Ramadan, observers abstain from food, drink and other pleasures during daylight hours. It marks a period of religious reflection, giving and family gatherings.

"This auspicious month holds profound significance in our lives, offering us a time of reflection, spiritual renewal, and immense blessings," said Muhammad Asad Gondal, president of the B.C. Muslim Association, at the beginning of Ramadan.

"It is a time when our hearts are filled with gratitude, our souls are uplifted in worship, and our bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood are strengthened."

Here are some photos from Eid al-Fitr in Richmond and Vancouver:

A crowd of muslims outside of an arena.
Muslims gathered at the Minoru Arenas in Richmond, B.C. to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
People bow in prayer inside of a sports arena.
People bow in prayer during an Eid al-Fitr celebration in Richmond. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Muslims bow in prayer during an Eid-al Fitr celebration in Richmond.
During Ramadan, Muslims abstained from eating or drinking between sunrise and sunset. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
People take photos in a field of daffodils while celebrating Eid al-Fitr in Richmond, B.C.
Following prayers, people take pictures in a field of daffodils while celebrating Eid al-Fitr. (Ben Nelms/CBC)

Vancouver Muslims reflect on Ramadan as holy month begins

9 months ago
Duration 2:28
Muslims around the world are ringing in the start of the holy month of Ramadan, a time when many will forgo food and water in order to prioritize reflection, charity, prayer and so much more. CBC's Zahra Premji spoke to Muslims in Vancouver about their excitement and the hopes and goals many tie to this special month.
A man and a child walk past a sign that says Eid Mubarak.
A man and a child walk in front of a sign that says Eid Mubarak at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver. Eid Mubarak is a term used by Muslims during Eid al-Fitr. It means 'blessed Eid." (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press)
A large stadium is filled with people. Some of them are standing and others are sitting.
B.C. Place Stadium in Vancouver was filled with Muslims who were celebrating Eid al-Fitr. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press)
Muslims bow in prayer inside a large stadium.
Muslims offer prayers during Eid al-Fitr at B.C. Place in Vancouver, Wednesday, April 10, 2024. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press)