Special Correspondent, Deshi Tribune: A three-day Prothom Alo Eid Fair was held in New York ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, bringing together the Bangladeshi community in a festive atmosphere. The fair, organized at Angon Party Hall on Hillside Avenue in Jamaica, drew a large crowd on its opening day, creating a vibrant and celebratory environment.
The fair was officially inaugurated on Friday, March 13, by Ibrahim Chowdhury, Editor of Prothom Alo North America, and prominent New York businessman and owner of Angon Party Hall, Mohammad Hossain Ishtiaq. They formally opened the event by cutting the ribbon.
Speaking at the inauguration, Editor Ibrahim Chowdhury said that celebrations of Eid, the largest annual festival for Muslims, have in many cases become even more elaborate among Bangladeshi expatriates than in Bangladesh itself. He noted that community fairs and events help introduce Bangladeshi products—especially clothing, sarees, jewellery, and fashion accessories—to the younger generation growing up abroad. Through such initiatives, he said, younger generations remain connected to their cultural roots while also helping showcase Bangladesh on an international stage.
Also speaking at the opening ceremony were Manzurul Haque, Executive Editor of Prothom Alo North America; Shipa Amin, Director of All County Health Care; and community organizer Sumi Roy. The speakers emphasized the importance of such cultural and commercial events in the diaspora, noting that fairs like these strengthen community ties and promote cultural connections among Bangladeshi expatriates.
The Eid fair is being held at Angon Party Hall, located near 175th Street on Hillside Avenue in Jamaica, New York, covering approximately 6,500 square feet of space.
A large number of visitors attended the fair on its first day, with many families arriving to shop for Eid. Around 20 entrepreneurs set up stalls displaying their best products. Visitors found a wide variety of items, including sarees, three-piece outfits, panjabis, children’s clothing, jewelry, bangles, and various fashion accessories. Traditional Bangladeshi and South Asian ornaments also attracted significant attention from buyers.
Organizers said that every customer who makes a purchase at the fair receives a free raffle ticket. Such festive events ahead of Eid have added extra excitement for Bangladeshi expatriates. Many attendees said that fairs like this not only provide an opportunity for shopping but also allow people living abroad to experience the spirit and joy of Eid celebrations similar to those back home.
