--submitted by Dhiren Savla
A Tapestry of Unity: ISW Celebrates Eid with Joy and Community Spirit
This spring May 4, 2025, the India Society of Worcester (ISW) marked a meaningful milestone by celebrating Eid for the first time in few years—bringing together families, friends, and neighbors from across cultures for an afternoon filled with warmth, tradition, and shared joy. Held on a cool Sunday at the ISW Community Hall, the event highlighted the richness of Islamic heritage while fostering the spirit of unity that defines the ISW community.
The celebration began with a warm welcome address by ISW President Jagan Srinivasan, whose words set a thoughtful and inclusive tone for the day. He was followed by Sanjay Shah, who shared heartfelt words of encouragement, recognizing the significance of the event and the importance of building community.
The hall was transformed into a cheerful Meena Bazaar-style marketplace, complete with stalls offering vibrant clothing, intricate jewelry, and handmade crafts. Volunteers added special touches with beautifully intricate henna by Sumera Amir and elegant Urdu calligraphy by Sana Maqsood, both of which drew a steady stream of eager participants. A cultural booth showcased the many ways Islamic culture has contributed to Indian society, while guests had fun trying on traditional garments at the ever-popular photo booth.
Guiding the day with warmth and enthusiasm were event MCs Umraz and Komal, who helped keep the energy high and the program flowing seamlessly. Their presence added a welcoming touch that brought everyone together.
Throughout the afternoon, music set the tone for celebration. Performances by the ISW Symphony, Yash Naik, Sudhakar, Mustafa Taj, Sharat Amin, and the energetic Haynes Farm Gang brought people to their feet and smiles to their faces. Artist Avni Chheda created a special moment by leading a community art activity, inviting over fifty attendees—young and old—to help co-create a collaborative painting that beautifully reflected the day’s spirit of inclusion.
Of course, no celebration is complete without food. Volunteers and local restaurants served up a delightful array of Eid delicacies and desserts, offering guests a flavorful experience that paired perfectly with the afternoon’s festivities.
This event was made possible through the hard work and dedication of many. A heartfelt thanks goes out to community volunteers Asiya, Tabassum, Shehla, Sabreena, Sameena, Shaista, Shazia, Umraz, and Yasmin, whose efforts were essential in bringing the event to life. Special appreciation also goes to the ISW team—Smita, Komal and Shilpa for their leadershisp and ISW Cultural team for their coordination.
The success of this event is a proud achievement for the ISW Cultural Team, who brought their vision of a cross-cultural Eid celebration to life with creativity and heart. It’s a celebration that many will remember—and one that promises to become a beloved annual tradition, paving the way for more inclusive and diverse events at ISW in the future.
