Eid entertainment at Asian Town a balm for Qatar's homesick

Asian Town is a popular venue for events.

All photos by Reem Saad

Undeterred by heavy traffic and humid weather, thousands of people gathered at Doha’s Asian Town last night to enjoy performances and cricket matches during the first day of Eid Al Fitr.

The event was a bit of a cultural hodgepodge, with Indian, Sri Lankan, Nepalese and Korean communities all showcasing their talents, as the crowd danced and sang along.

Most of last night’s attendees were blue collar workers, the majority of whom are away from their families during the holidays.

Previously, authorities have said the events, which are organized by the Ministry of Interior, were an attempt to make the Asian community feel more at home.

Missing home

Speaking to Doha News, Jayesh Chaudhary, an Indian driver living in Doha, said he hasn’t spent Eid with his family in three years.

Although that makes him feel sad, such events help him forget a little and have fun, he said.

“I like this because it bring back memories of my home in Kerala. There, we always sing and dance and we are all together. Today feels the same.”

At last night’s event, thousands could be seen dancing and clapping along as male performers took the stage. Many could also be seen filming the scene on their smartphones.

The performances, which were punctuated by prize drawings for the audience, began at 5pm and went on until 11pm. Another series of events will be held at Asian Town the same time today.