The Muslim community will observe its biggest festival of the year, Eid-ul-Fitr in the coming weekend and as a gesture of goodwill, Sky Tower will be lit in green and white colour.
“From Sunday, May 24, for two nights the Sky Tower will be lit in green and white in honour of Eid-ul-Fitr, ‘The Festival of Breaking the Fast’- a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims around the world to mark the end of the month of Ramadan,” a spokesperson from SkyCity, Auckland told The Indian Weekender.
Chairperson of the New Zealand Eid Day Trust, Javed Dadabhai says he’s excited about the opportunity for the Muslim community.
“Eid-ul-Fitr is regarded as a time to celebrate, with Muslims gathering with their friends and family to show gratitude toward God following the previous month of reflection.
“In keeping with the health requirements due to the Covid-19, faith-based gatherings are currently limited to ten people so Eid will be celebrated a little differently this year,” Javed Dadabhai said.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims across the globe fast from dawn to dusk and open their fast at the call of Adhan at sunset. At the end of 29 or 30 days of fasting, at the sighting of the moon, Muslims celebrate Eid by making a making congregational prayer.
“We are truly appreciative of this gesture by SkyCity to help us collectively celebrate Eid through one of New Zealand’s most iconic attractions,” he added.
Brad Burnett, Group General manager SkyCity Hotels says “we are a multi-cultural nation and we hope that by lighting the Sky Tower for Eid, we can help our Muslim community feel closer together while physically apart.”
The Sky Tower is the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest free-standing structure. Based in the heart of Auckland, it is one of New Zealand’s most recognisable landmarks.
“SkyCity lights the Sky Tower for charities or community initiatives that we support financially, to make national holidays, milestones or other celebrations or events, or as a symbol of respect and solidarity,” Mr Burnett said.