For the past month, Muslims across Houston and across the world have been fasting each day as part of Ramadan, a month of reflection that commemorates the prophet Muhammed’s first Quranic revelation. The last day of the fast, this year falling on May 23, is one of celebration. Called Eid al-Fitr, it “is an occasion of peace, joy, and festivity,” writes Asia Society Texas Center. Beginning at sundown, families and communities gather together to share a meal and good times.

Except the coronavirus has changed that. In April, Islamic Society of Greater Houston President Sohail Syed told Houstonia that the organization of 23 mosques had rented NRG for a thousands-strong prayer to celebrate Eid, but they had to cancel the reservation. As many members of the Houston community continue to practice social distancing, the community must stay apart.

Here’s where Asia Society Texas comes in. The center is offering up two weeks-worth of online programming to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, as well as educate the community on the holiday. Some program highlights include cooking lessons with YouTuber Sugar N Spice cook with Huma, and an Islamic art tour through one of Asia Society Texas’s exhibitions.

All of the programming is free and open to all ages. Unless otherwise noted, each program will begin at 4 p.m. each day.

Schedule

Monday, May 18: Storytime, It’s Ramadan, Curious George

Tuesday, May 19: Crafts and Calligraphy, make your own sun mandala

Wednesday, May 20: Cooking, how to prepare Murgh e Musalam, a traditional Eid meal

Thursday, May 21: Eid Greeting Cards, design your own card

Friday, May 22: Henna, learn at-home henna patterns

Saturday, May 23: Eid Mubarak, learn about Eid through a An Eid for Everyone reading, make an Eid lantern, and have a video celebration

Sunday, May 24: Calligraphy and Card Crafts, make a 3-D Eid card and learn Arabic calligraphy

Monday, May 25: Eid Desserts, enjoy a cooking demonstration from Sugar N Spice: Cook with Huma

Tuesday, May 26: Eid Around the World, listen to Storytime of Eid Breakfast at Abuela's

Wednesday, May 26: Islamic Art Tour, virtually visit Asia Society’s “Wondrous Worlds” exhibition

Thursday, May 28:  Storytime, Under the Ramadan Moon and My First Ramadan

Friday, May 29: Eid Around the World, make star origami with Japan Outreach Initiative coordinator Nina Shimaguchi

Saturday, May 30:  Celebrations, including a dance demonstration, music, storytelling, and more