Thousands of people turned out in south Manchester this morning for the first Eid al-Fitr celebrations without coronavirus restrictions in two years.
It was estimated between 15,000 to 20,000 people attended Platt Fields in Fallowfield for morning prayers to celebrate the end of Ramadan - as Muslims across the world dedicated the last month to fasting, prayer and reflection. The mood was one of joy and elation as families, friends and neighbours came together as one for the first time since the start of the pandemic over two years ago.
Events at the park in 2020 and 2021 had to be cancelled due to covid infection rates across the region - with one local lockdown being imposed the night before Eid in 2020. But today, communities were able to celebrate together once again, as emotional scenes of people embracing and shaking hands were captured.
READ MORE: Eid al-Fitr LIVE as Muslims all across Manchester celebrate the end of Ramadan
Prayers were due to begin at around 9.30am, but had to be pushed back due to the large swathes of people still arriving at the park. One person compared the atmosphere to that of a football match.
Speaking to the M.E.N, Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar stressed how important today's turnout was for the community. He said: "People were really looking forward to this. When you go back to the Eid 2020, the restrictions were announced on the eve of Eid. It was a big disappointment."
Jerry, a student from India who has only lived in Manchester for seven months said he was amazed by the turnout. "I've never seen anything like this in my life. So many different nationalities and races all coming together," he said.
A group of Manchester university students from Malaysia were spending their first Ramadan away from home this year. They said seeing today's turnout was "mind-boggling."
With the prayer marking the end of Ramadan finished, one family took to the opportunity to break their fast for the last time with a picnic in the park. People were also encouraged to invite their non-Muslim neighbours to join in the festivities.
Celebrations have been happening across Greater Manchester today, with hundreds also turning out to Masjid e Hamzah in Ashton, as well as Ashton Central Mosque.
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