New York Dawoodi Bohras Host Eid Celebration Event for Local Queens Dignitaries

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QUEENS, NY – April 13, 2025 – The Dawoodi Bohras of New York hosted an Eid celebration event at their community center located on 131-24 Springfield Boulevard in Queens on Sunday, April 13.

Attendees at the event included New York State Senator John Liu; NYC Council Member Nantasha Williams; the Consul General of India in New York, Ambassador Binaya Pradhan; Dr. Crystal Bonds, Superintendent School District 29; Commanding Officer Captain Jean Sony Beauvoir from NYPD’s 116th Precinct; Bishop Gregory Tucker from One Way Church of Christ, among other guests.

The event marked the end of the blessed month of Ramadan and offered an opportunity to come together in the spirit of unity and gratitude. Guests were introduced to the community’s history in the United States and its ongoing work across 12 key focus areas—including education, social welfare, health, finance and business, and community outreach.

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During dinner, guests experienced Dawoodi Bohra cuisine and their traditional way of dining. They also learned about the community’s philanthropic efforts including organizing food and holiday gift drives, and tree planting, as part of Project Rise—a global initiative by Dawoodi Bohras worldwide to improve access to education, healthcare, nutrition, water and sanitation, and environmental conservation.

Keynote speaker, the Consul General of India in New York, Ambassador Binaya Pradhan, spoke about his long standing relationship with the Dawoodi Bohra community, “I’ve known and interacted with the Dawoodi Bohra community for many years, including a meeting with His Holiness, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin. The Dawoodi Bohras are known for being a community of entrepreneurs.”

Senator John Liu recalled how he had celebrated Eid many years ago with the Dawoodi Bohra community in New York, which at the time, took place in a tent. “Now, with patience and perseverance, you now have this beautiful community center here in Queens where we are now celebrating Eid together,” he said. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Dawoodi Bohras to the neighborhood and the country since they first immigrated to the United States in the 1920s.

“Eid reminds us of the importance of renewing bonds, breaking bread together, and strengthening the ties that bring people of all backgrounds closer. Our Eid celebration event with our special guests was a great opportunity to nurture meaningful conversations, spark new insights, and build new friendships,” said Taha Adib, spokesperson for the community.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Eid denotes a celebration or feast and fitr refers to the breaking of the fast. As it is for Muslims across the world, Eid al-Fitr is a sacred and welcome celebration for the Dawoodi Bohras. Dressed in their best attire, community members gather for fajr (early morning) prayers on the day of Eid al-Fitr. Before the special Eid prayers commence, a ceremonial breaking of fast is done just after sunrise by consuming kharak (dried dates stuffed with a mixed dry fruit paste). Eid prayers and supplications are typically followed by a gathering where community members meet and felicitate each other. Throughout the day of Eid al-Fitr and in the few days after, community members dedicate time to visit their loved ones and friends.

The Dawoodi Bohras of New York have lived and worked peacefully across Queens, NYC, and Long Island for decades. Over 150 families congregate at their masjid complex and community center in Springfield Boulevard, Queens. Many values at the core of the Bohra faith — including eradicating poverty and hunger, improving education, female empowerment, and preserving the natural environment — align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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