Appreciating and honoring the service of police, fire and emergency personnel, along with county and city officials, school teachers and administrators, faith leaders and neighbors, was a wonderful way to share the generosity of the holy month of Ramadan and celebrate Eid with new friends. For Commissioner Kathie Gannon of DeKalb County, it was her first time visiting the Ismaili Jamatkhana in Decatur, the first permanent Jamatkhana established in the United States over 30 years ago. The Appreciation Tea event provided an opportunity to make connections and build friendships while learning about the community’s values, its ethic of service, emphasis on education, and exploring the concepts of balance and light in the fountain courtyard, library, and prayer hall.

Mark Joyner, principal of Druid Hills High School attended the event to better understand the religious background of many of his students. Principals of various elementary, middle and high schools in Fayette County also attended the event.

The Muslim festival of Eid-al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and brings Muslims together in prayer, gratitude, and service. This spirit of service not only engages the Muslims in giving charity and feeding the poor but also challenges them to be generous with their time and knowledge to help others.

Volunteers from the Ismaili community host various Meet the Holiday events at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, including an Eid Mela on the occasion of Eid-al-Fitr. Children enjoyed a day filled with Eid Mela activities, including getting henna tattoos, creating moon and star crowns, dancing to cultural music, and earning pretend eidee (gift money for Eid) while playing carnival-style games.

Learning and exploring the culture, arts and festivities of different faith traditions helps create a pluralistic mindset in the young child and encourages them to develop an appreciation for diversity and difference.