By: Vinod Kumar (Dubai)
As the holy month of Ramadan nears its end, Muslims around the world prepare to celebrate Eid Al Fitr next week. Following a month of fasting and spiritual reflection, this Islamic festival marks a joyous occasion for celebration and community gatherings.
The Islamic Hijri calendar, based on lunar cycles, dictates the length of Ramadan, which can last either 29 or 30 days. Traditionally, Muslims seek the crescent moon on the 29th day of each month to determine the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid festivities.
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Moon Sighting Committee will convene on Monday evening to scan the skies for the crescent moon, signifying Ramadan’s conclusion. If spotted, Eid will be observed on April 9th; otherwise, it will be celebrated on April 10th.
The month of Ramadan was not only marked by religious observances but also by acts of kindness and community outreach. Various initiatives took place throughout the month to support and uplift individuals, particularly blue-collar workers.
The Consulate General of India in Dubai spearheaded outreach to the blue-collar workers in the UAE, conducting a Labour Awareness Programme, medical camps, and sessions on financial literacy. These efforts aimed to provide support and resources to blue-collar workers, including health check-ups, financial literacy programs, and awareness sessions on government welfare measures.
The Consulate General of India also collaborated with the All Kerala College Alumni Forum to address the workers, emphasizing their well-being and safety while abroad. These gatherings facilitated communal prayer, reflection, and the distribution of food packets to those in need. A team of doctors from Prime Healthcare conducted health check-ups, while Bank of Baroda officials offered financial literacy workshops and tips on avoiding banking fraud.
Additionally, a team from Pravasi Bharatiya Seva Kendra of the Consulate informed attendees about various welfare measures and the grievance redressal mechanism.The Consulate General of India’s ongoing efforts exemplify this commitment to serving and supporting all members of society during this auspicious time.