The Pakistan Association of Otago is organising a Eid Mela Carnival for Friday, April 12.
Incoming president Dr Zohaib Rana said Eid was always a very big event in Pakistan.
"The celebrations are crazy."
Eid is celebrated around the world and includes people decorating streets and visiting one another’s homes for food and connection.
Eid marks the end of the Ramadan lunar calendar month of prayer and fasting from dawn until sunset.
"It is going to be a huge cultural experience, so basically like travelling to another country without a visa.
"And the Eid Mela Carnival is a public event, everyone is invited."
The Pakistan Association of Otago was a huge believer of unity and diversity, Dr Rana said.
"That is probably our tagline for this whole event.
"We want people from all communities to come."
Outgoing president Humera Fiaz said a wide variety of cultures and traditions would be represented including those from Pakistani, Middle Eastern, Turkish, Indian, Chinese, Fijian, Polynesian, Moroccan, Afghani, Bengali, Sri Lankan, Malaysian, Indonesian, Singaporean, Jordanian and Syrian communities.
The South City Mall would be filled with more than 20 food, cultural dress and craft stalls.
There would be live music and a range of activities for children to enjoy, including a magic show, bouncy castle, face-painting and henna stalls, she said.
"It is not only for Muslims, it is for everyone, because we would love to have everybody involved in our happiness and celebration, it is a big day for us."
Eid was celebrated on the first day of Shawwal.
"Which is another Muslim month, so we follow the Islamic calendar for these big events."
All ages would be able to enjoy the rich cultural tapestry that defined the Dunedin community, she said.
"We really encourage everybody to join us because it’s more the merrier."
Carnival details
Pakistan Association of Otago
Eid Mela Carnival
Friday April 12
Starts 4pm
South City Mall
110 King Edward St
South Dunedin
