End of Ramadan marked with Eid al-Fitr prayers in Saskatoon

It was a special day for Muslim people in Saskatoon as many came together for Eid al-Fitr prayers, signifying the end of Ramadan.

Thousands of people gathered at Prairieland Park for the prayer service on Wednesday, endinga month where many Muslims fast during daylight hours.

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Fatima Coovadia with the Islamic Association of Saskatchewan told CBC Radio's Saskatoon Morning that Eid is about learning patience and empathy.

"It's a time of the year for real spiritual enlightenment and a journey, not only a physical journey and a physical challenge with the fast, but really an emotional journey as well," she said.

After the prayers, many celebrate Eid with friends and family. Coovadia said she is expecting 40 people at her house after the prayers.

"I have friends coming from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, South Africa, and we're going to have a big South African feast this afternoon," she said.

Coovadia is serving a traditional spicy rice dish, naan and a lamb roast.

Timing viathe moon cycle

She said preparing for Eid celebrations is all about timing, as the day of Eid is determined by the moon cycle, which varies between 29 and 30 days.

"We fasted for 30 days because the moon was not sighted on the 29th eve," she said. "We've got to prepare for Eid to either have been yesterday or today."

Coovadia said the Muslim community in the city has really grown in the past few years.

She is hoping that some of the city's new Muslim residents will come out to the public Eid events.

"We are going to be welcoming all of our community members and particularly hope to see our new Syrian families and give them a real treat for their first Eid in Saskatoon," she said.

The Islamic association is holding an Eid festival on July 10 at Grosvenor Park from 2 to 8 p.m. CST.