The Consul Generals of India and the UAE, the elected officials who spoke, and the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Indian American Muslims of North America. / IAMNA

The Indian American Muslims of North America, in collaboration with the Consulate General of India in New York, organized Eid celebrations on April 10.

Eid al-Fitr 2026, also known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast, was celebrated on March 20, 2026, marking the joyous end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Muslims worldwide observed the day with special prayers (Eid salat), family gatherings, feasts, charity and festive activities, with celebrations often extending up to three days in many communities.

The event  featured remarks by the Consul General of India in New York, Binaya Srikantha Pradhan.  Addressing the gathering, he commended IAMNA for its continued partnership with the Consulate in organizing Eid celebrations and noted the significantly larger turnout this year.

He also underscored India’s tradition of coexistence and diversity, where different languages, traditions and faiths thrive together under a shared commitment to mutual respect. Drawing parallels with the United States, he described the gathering as a reflection of “unity in diversity,” where people from different backgrounds come together in a spirit of brotherhood.

“I can see in this gathering people from different walks of life,” Pradhan said, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the event.

Amna Almheiri, Consul General of the United Arab Emirates, attended as Guest of Honor and delivered heartfelt remarks reflecting both regional context and the spirit of Eid.

She remarked, “Wow, this was truly a pleasant surprise. Thank you very much for inviting me today,” she said. “We have gone through some difficult times back in the UAE and the region, but things are now improving. This makes this Eid celebration even more meaningful — a true celebration of peace, unity and hope, not just here, but also back in our region.”

Consul General @binaysrikant76 attended Eid celebration organized by the Indian American Muslim community of North America in association with @IndiainNewYork, marked by prayers, gratitude, and warm fellowship.

Ms. Amna Almheiri, @AmnaAlmuhairy Consul General of the @UAEinNYC,… pic.twitter.com/08Wjr5bQ2u

— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) April 12, 2026

Goyle, in a statement on X, noted that he was honored by the experience of celebrating “Eid with the Indian American Muslims of New York and the Consulate General of India.”

He added, “Seeing Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians from across our diaspora come together was a beautiful reminder of the bonds we all share. Eid Mubarak once again!”

Addressing the gathering, Imam Sheikh Ahmed Waheed spoke on the significance of Ramadan and Eid, highlighting the importance of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, charity and compassion. He emphasized that Ramadan is not only a period of fasting but also a time for personal growth, strengthening faith and fostering empathy for those in need, with Eid serving as a celebration of these values.

During the event, IAMNA honored two women entrepreneurs—Palvesha Yasin Latiwala and Asra Rashid—for their outstanding community service and contributions.

The event was graced by community leaders including Dr. Sudhir Parikh, recipient of the Padma Shri award; Ankur Vaidya, president of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA); Srujal Parikh, executive member of FIA; Ravi Bhooplapur, chairman of St. Xavier Medical College; Mohinder Singh Gilzian, president of INOC; Professor Indrajit Saluja, editor; Ravi Batra, Attorney; Vikas Dhall, Entrepreneur; Jay Singh, Editor; Neeta Jain, Democratic Leader; Harpreet Singh Toor, Community Leader; Rajender Dichpally, Community Leader; Inderpal Dhall, Faith Leader; and A.G. Farooqui, Educationist, among others.

Speaking on behalf of IAMNA, chairman and media personality Ilayas Quraishi expressed gratitude to the Consulate General of India, Amna Almheiri, elected officials and community leaders for their presence and continued support. He described the gathering as a reflection of the “true colors of India,” where people of different faiths and backgrounds come together as one. He highlighted the event as a powerful example of unity in diversity.

“This gathering is not just about celebrating Eid, but about celebrating our shared values and collective identity,” Quraishi said. “It demonstrates how our community continues to contribute positively as proud Indian-Americans and as active participants in the broader American society.”
 

Audience members and dignitaries attended the Eid Celebration hosted by the Indian American Muslims of North America (IAMNA) in association with the Consulate General of India, New York. / IAMNA

The evening featured a rich and engaging program including Quran recitation by Umar Faroqui with translation by Zoha Fatima Ahmed, live Qawwali by Rhythm Tolee, stand-up comedy by Mohammed Darbar, remarks by community leaders, and a dinner reception.

IAMNA leadership includes vice chairman Ahmed Shakir and event co-chair Mohammed Faroqui, along with co-chairs Mukbul Mansuri, Faisal Munir and Faheemuddin Mohammed, who played key roles in organizing the event.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering unity, strengthening community ties and promoting harmony across diverse communities.

Prominent community leaders, including Binaya Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York, and Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, along with IAMNA members and other distinguished guests, can be seen at the Eid Celebration, reflecting the spirit of unity and community engagement. / IAMNA

Discover more at New India Abroad.