The Pakistani Student Association held an event celebrating Eid al-Adha, a Muslim holiday commemorating Prophet Abraham’s submission to God, at the Student Center Ballroom Nov. 30.
Called “Eid Ke Rang,” literally meaning “the colors of Eid” in Urdu, the celebration brought in over 100 guests and was the only event at Wayne State celebrating the 4-day holiday.
“That is why it was important to bring Eid to Wayne State,” said the PSA President Harris Khan, 20.
But Eid wasn’t the only purpose for the party, the event also celebrated Pakistani culture.
Fourteen students lit the stage in colorful kameez tops and salwar pants, typically worn by south Asian men and women, during the opening fashion show.
Free Mehndi body art was available for guests, as it is a Pakistani tradition to apply it during celebrations.
Guests indulged in Pakistani-style food, which included biryani rice, chicken curry, samosa pastries, and roti and naan breads.
“We had around 140 samosas, and in the end we didn’t have any left,” said PSA Vice President Ashar Khan, 20.
Guests made uplifting cards that will be sent to Pakistani children living in refugee camps through the nonprofit organization, Eagle Vision Initiatives.
“Smile even when you are sad, because I care about you and Pakistan,” wrote one guest.
From Detroit’s chapter of the nonprofit Youth Outreach, Developments in Literacy group, guest speaker Amna Hussein inspired guests with her presentation on advancing Pakistani children’s literacy. According to the World Bank, an estimated 60 percent of Pakistanis are illiterate.
“It’s important to let out the message about education in Pakistan… because it is the well-educated people like us [students] who can support kids in the world,” Harris Khan said.
The event ended with guests mingling and dancing to popular south Asian music.
“It was a good show, people had a lot of fun,” Ashar Khan said.
The PSA is planning to bring other events to Wayne State, including a Pakistani film screening and tea party. The student organization is also helping to welcome and settle students from Pakistan who are new to Wayne State.
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