Muslims across the United States, including in New York, will celebrate the holy festival of Eid-ul-Adha on Wednesday, May 27. Preparations for Eid are already in full swing within Muslim communities nationwide, with mosques making extensive arrangements for Eid prayers and festivities.
Although the observance formally began with the start of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, the main celebrations will begin on the evening of May 26 and continue through May 29. The Day of Arafah will be observed on Tuesday, May 26, while Eid prayers and Qurbani (animal sacrifice) rituals will begin on May 27. The days of Tashreeq will continue from May 26 through May 30.
Saudi Arabia announced Eid-ul-Adha for May 27 after the moon of Dhul Hijjah was sighted on May 17. Accordingly, Hajj will take place on May 26. Bangladesh and several South Asian countries are expected to celebrate Eid on Thursday, May 28, one day after Saudi Arabia and most Middle Eastern countries.
Qurbani Preparations Across New York
In New York and other major U.S. cities, Bangladeshi and Muslim communities are actively preparing for Qurbani. Grocery stores, poultry shops, and cattle farms are currently taking orders for sacrificial animals. Many families have already completed their bookings, while others continue placing orders, creating a busy atmosphere for businesses.
Although the prices of beef and goat meat are comparatively higher this year, Muslims are continuing to perform Qurbani according to their financial ability. Due to overwhelming demand, however, suppliers say it may not be possible to deliver meat to everyone on Eid day alone. As a result, deliveries will continue for up to two days after Eid.
Eid Shopping and Festivities
Areas such as Jackson Heights, Jamaica, and Queens in New York are experiencing heavy Eid shopping activity. Chand Raat celebrations and Mehendi festivals are also being organized in different neighborhoods, adding to the festive atmosphere among expatriate communities.
While many expatriates had initially planned to travel to Bangladesh with their families for Eid, international uncertainties and ongoing global conflicts have caused some to cancel their trips at the last moment. Limited vacation time, children’s school schedules, and rising travel costs have also influenced those decisions. Nevertheless, many expatriates are sending money and gifts home for Qurbani and family celebrations.
Masud Rana Tapan, CEO of Sunman Global Express, said that a significant amount of remittance is being sent to Bangladesh ahead of Eid. According to him, expatriates are regularly sending money for Qurbani, family shopping, and gifts, and he expects remittance inflows to remain strong during the Eid season.
Eid Prayer Arrangements in New York
Preparations for Eid congregations at mosques and Islamic centers across New York are nearly complete. Many locations will host prayers outdoors if weather conditions permit, while indoor arrangements have also been made in case of rain.
Some of the major Eid prayer schedules include:
Jamaica Muslim Center will hold Eid prayer at Thomas Edison High School field at 8:30 a.m. If weather conditions worsen, three indoor congregations will be held at 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 10:00 a.m.
Al-Amin Jame Masjid and Islamic Center plans an outdoor prayer at 8:00 a.m. If it rains, indoor congregations will take place at 7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., and 9:00 a.m., with women’s participation arranged in the third congregation.
Al-Arafa Islamic Center will host three indoor Eid congregations at approximately 7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., and 9:00 a.m.
New York Eidgah at Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights will organize five congregations beginning at 6:30 a.m., followed by prayers at 7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 10:00 a.m. An additional congregation may be arranged at 11:00 a.m. if necessary.
Al-Furqan Mosque will hold two congregations at 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
Darus Salam Mosque plans four congregations at 7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 10:00 a.m.
American Muslim Center will organize five congregations at 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 10:00 a.m.
MUNA Center of Jackson Heights will host one congregation at 8:00 a.m.
Queens Village Bangladeshi Society Inc. will organize an outdoor Eid congregation for the first time in Queens Village at 8:00 a.m. on 93rd Avenue between 213th and 214th Streets.
In addition to these venues, Eid prayers will also be organized by Al Aman Mosque, Fultoli Jame Mosque, Al Noor Islamic Center, North Bronx Islamic Center, Parkchester Jame Mosque, Bangladesh Muslim Center, Mohammadi Center, Darul Uloom, ICNA Mosque, and many other Islamic organizations.
Nationwide Celebrations
Beyond New York, Eid congregations are also being organized in New Jersey, Connecticut, Texas, California, Pennsylvania, Boston, and many other states across the United States.
Muslims around the world hope that this year’s Eid-ul-Adha will bring peace, harmony, and joy to families and communities despite ongoing global uncertainties and challenges.
