Countdown begins to holiest month

AS the countdown towards Ramadan begins, Oldhamers are invited to find out more about the holiest month in the Muslim calendar.

Events will be held over the next two weeks to celebrate the fasting period

Family activities, talks and competitions will be held over the next two weeks to celebrate the fasting period.

Councillor John McCann, Cabinet member for Community Services and Housing, said: “These events are a great way to celebrate Ramadan. Activities are open to all the community and give people from all backgrounds the chance to ask questions and share their experiences.”

All events (except for the Interfaith Fast) take place at Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre.

Talks on the economic, health and spiritual perspectives of Ramadan take place on Thursday, August 18 and August 20 from 12.15-12.45pm followed by a special hour-long session on August 27, when a panel of guest speakers from different religious backgrounds will answer questions from 12.15-1.15pm.

Children and families can get creative with an Islamic calligraphy workshop on August 15, from 11am-3pm.

Artist Agha Nisar will be on hand to demonstrate how to combine the written word with visual imagery.

Youngsters can also enter a Ramadan quiz, with questions on fasting and other faiths, on August 26 from 4-6pm.

The competition is open to all children aged 7-11 years old and the winners will receive a selection of books and CDs.

A traditional Qira’at, featuring readings from the Qur’an, will be performed by children from across Oldham on August 30, from 11.30am-2pm.

This year’s popular Interfaith Fast takes place on Thursday, September 10, from 7pm at Oldham Muslim Centre in Neville Street.

Leaders from a variety of faiths will talk about fasting and harvest festivals across the world before a meal is served at 7.40pm to mark sunset and the breaking of the fast period.

The final event is a family Eid Millan party and concert to mark the end of Ramadan on September 30 from 7.30-9pm.

The evening includes a selection of traditional Islamic songs, performances and presentations to the prize winners of all the Ramadan competitions.

All events, except for the final Eid Millan party, are free and activities are open to all sections of the community.

You can pick up a copy of the Celebrating Ramadan in Oldham brochure from libraries and selected venues across Oldham now.

For more information on all events call Naveed Aziz on 0161 770 8015 or send an email naveed.aziz@oldham.gov.uk