Your Guide to Celebrate Ramadan and Eid in Australia
Ramadan is a very popular Islamic festival celebrated by millions of people all over the world, even in Australia. It is a sacred month filled with reflection, spirituality and community.
There are several cultural and religious diversities in Australia, including close to a million Muslims, which is why this celebration is a very important one in the country.
There are several activities and religious practices that take place during the Ramadan month and celebrations during Eid ul Fitr.
So, let’s give you a quick guide to celebrate Ramadan and Eid in Australia.
What is Ramadan and Eid ul Fitr?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, observed by Muslims all round the world as a month of fasting, prayer, worship, service, community and reflection.
During Ramadan, Muslims engage in a daily fast without any food and drink from dawn until sunset.
This act of fasting not only drives a physical discipline but is also a means of spiritual purification, inward reflection, and empathy for the less privileged.
After a month-long fasting and sacrifice of Ramadan, the ‘Eid ul Fitr’ is celebrated. It is usually a 1 to 3 days celebrations.
Eid is an arabic word which means feast or festival.
Who celebrates Ramadan and Eid?
Ramadan and Eid is celebrated all over the world by Muslims.
All individuals from different cultures, traditions and countries who are Muslim celebrate the month of Ramadan and observe the requirements during the period.
Even non-muslims also value the Ramadan month and celebrate what it stands for. People participate by giving to Muslim communities, practicing self-reflection, listening to teachings and giving to the less privileged.
Why is it Celebrated?
Ramadan is a very deep part of the Islamic tradition. It symbolises a time in history, the 7th century, when the Quran was sent down to Prophet Muhammad from heaven to be revealed to men and women as a guide and means of salvation.
The celebration period focuses on spiritual meditation, reflection, fasting, seeking forgiveness, and strengthening connection with God.
Ramadan is also celebrated to boost community bonding through family time and community gatherings during iftar. It is the time when food is shared to break the fast and prayers are done collectively.
Ramadan reminds people to be empathetic and compassionate by being kind and generous to others.
How is Ramadan and Eid Celebrated in Australia?
Australia, a center of cultural diversity, embraces Ramadan with open arms. The celebration period is highly recognised in schools, workplaces, homes and communities.
The Ramadan month is often characterised by different activities that reflect the essence and key parts of the period. Usually the Muslim communities gather during Iftar which is the evening meal to break the fast.
There is often an array of diverse foods for everyone to partake of. There are also night prayer times at the mosques during the month called Tarawih. These prayers are held after the iftar meal, creating a sense of unity.
Muslims also carry out charitable activities to celebrate during this period such as food drives, donations and initiatives to support the less privileged.
Eid ul Fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. In Australia, many events are organised by the local muslim communities and mosques to celebrate Eid ul Fitr.
Cleaning house, preparing sweet dishes, buying new clothes, gifts are common activities to celebrate Eid.
Families and friends come together to enjoy the festival in community spirits.
When is Ramadan and Eid in 2024?
In 2024, Ramadan will begin on Monday, March 11th and end on Tuesday, April 9th. It’s a month-long journey of fasting from dawn to sunset.
And the Eid ul Fitr will be celebrated on 10th April 2024.
The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, as a result the dates for Ramadan and Eid ul Fitr can vary.
List of Ramadan and Eid Events around Australia
1. New South Wales (NSW):
Event Name: Ramadan Nights Lakemba (Sydney)
- Date: 9 March – 8 April (every Thursday to Sunday)
- Location: Lakemba
- Timing: 6 pm – 3 am
- Details: A market showcasing diverse cuisines, crafts, and entertainment to mark the festive season.
- More details here
Event Name: Sydney Eid Festival
- Date: 14 April
- Location: Harvey Lowe Pavilion, Newcastle
- NSW
- Time: 4pm – 9pm
- More details: PCIA, Glow Media
Event Name: Multicultural Eid Fair And Festival (MEFF)
- Date: 28 April
- Location: Fairfield Showground, Smithfield Rd, Pairiewood NSW
- Time: 10am – 9pm
- More details here
2. Victoria (VIC):
Event Name: SalamFest x Inspiring Connections Street Iftar
- Date: 17th March
- Location: Queen Victoria Market
- Timing: 7.30 pm
- More details here
Event Name: Eid Festival & Celebration
- Date: 10 April
- Location: 167- 177 Faulkner Road, Mt Cotrel
- Time: 9am – 12:30pm
- More details here
Event Name: EID@QVM
- Date: 13 and 14 April
- Location: Queen Victoria Market
- Time: 10am – 4pm
- More details here
3. Queensland (QLD):
Event Name: Convert Iftar
- Date: 16th March
- Location: Kuraby Mosque
- Timing: 4.30 pm – 6 pm
- More details here
Event Name: APNA & SBS Eid Fest and Diversity Award 2024
- Date: 12 April
- Location: Logan West Community Centre, Hillcrest, QLD 4118
- Time: 6:30pm
- More details here
- 4. Western Australia (WA):
Event Name: Ramadan Market
- Date: 16th March
- Location: Ozone Reserve, Perth
- Timing: 5.00 pm
- More details here
- Event Name: Eid Milan Party
- Date: 12 April
- Location: Saffron Restaurant & Banquet, 230 Cambridge Street, Wembly, Perth
- Time: 7pm
- More details here
5. South Australia (SA):
Event Name: Iftar Dinner
- Date: 17th March
- Location: Mahmood Mosque, Beverely
- Timing: 6.15 pm – 8 pm
- More details here
Event Name: Eid UI Fitr Grand Dinner
- Date: 20 April
- Location: Port Pirie Sports Precinct, Port Pirie, SA 5540
- Time: 6pm – 10pm
- More details: Port Pirie Multicultural Community
Event Name: MACSA Eid Celebration Lunch for New & Migrants & Established Australians
- Date: 28 April
- Location: Woodville Town Hall, Woodville, SA 5011
- Time: 1pm
- More details here
6. Australian Capital Territory (ACT):
Event Name: Community Iftar at UnitingCare Kippax
- Date: 6th April
- Location: UnitingCare Kippax
- Timing: 6.15 pm – 8 pm
- More details here
7. Tasmania (TAS):
Event Name: Multi Faith Iftar Dinner
- Date: 17th March
- Location: Mahmood Mosque, Beverely
- Timing: 7 pm
- More details here
We will update the event list for Eid celebrations closer to the date.
