Celebrating Navratri and Ramadan Together

[Guest guest]

SYDNEY (Thursday, September 28th, 2006): A group of international

students in Australia are celebrating the Muslim holy month of

Ramadan and the Hindu festival of Navratri together.

 

Students of Fred Hollows College in Sydney are giving multicultural

and religious tolerance a new meaning.

 

"There are only a few Muslim and Hindu students here in our

residence, so we decided to celebrate both Ramadan as well as

Navratri together. After all, it is the peak festive season for both

the Hindu and Muslim community. We have done it last time too,"

Suraj Verma, a student told Indian Link, an ethnic Indian newspaper.

 

"It is difficult for an international student to follow Ramadan,

especially during the break (Iftar) as most of them are preoccupied

with the college and part time jobs. So, we have decided to help our

Muslim brothers in our accommodation to prepare for Iftar and other

things related to the holy month," Verma added.

 

Back in India, the festival of nine nights, dedicated to goddess

Durga is celebrated with fervour. Likewise, during the holy month of

Ramadan, which falls this year between Sep 23-Oct 22, devout Muslims

fast till dusk and observe strict abstinence.

 

SOURCE: Indo Asian News Service. India eNews.

URL: http://indiaenews.com/2006-09/23902-celebrating-ramadan-

navratri.htm

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