Muslims celebrate 'Eid-ul-Fitr' on the first day of Shawaal - the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, following the month of Ramadan (in which the revelation started and ended 20+ years later, and which is also the month of fasting).  Following a Lunar calendar, Muslims mark the beginning of the month with the sighting of the new crescent.

'Eid' which means "festivity" in Arabic, is celebrated after the sighting of the new crescent on the previous evening.  The air of festivity and celebration can be felt on the eve before Eid when frenzied shopping and Eid preparations are at its height.  Since Eid is celebrated with gift-giving, the highly decorated shops and markets are open till late at night for last minute shoppers.

In India and Pakistan, the celebration the night before Eid is called Chand Raat, or night of the moon. Women, especially young girls often paint each others' hands with traditional mehndi (henna) and wear colorful bangles. In Pakistan and India, many bazaars, malls, and restaurants get crowded with people.

ZafNet Media, an independent group has been organizing its annual Chand Raat Mela / Festival since 2002.  This year it is being held on October 12, 2007 on Friday Evening in North Atlanta Trade Center, Norcross, GA 30093.  Around 5,000 people attend this event.

Festival includes Henna/Mehndi booths, food booths, Clothing/Garment booths, Jewelry booths, Information and few other misc. booths and stalls.  A specialty company has been hired, whose sole job was to entertain just the kids.  They make a separate carnival style section for this purpose.  For older crowd, there will be Quiz Shows, Best Dressed contest, Best looking male and female contest and Best Looking Couple contest.  

There is a special separate food court section build for this mela so patrons could sit down and enjoy their food while enjoying the festivities.  Games and festivities are followed by LIVE performances of famous melodious songs from Pakistan and India.

The Mela starts at 7:00PM and last through the late midnight.  There are many prizes giveaways throughout the whole festival.  

Zafar Hassan (Zee), the organizer of the mela and the team of ZafNet Media wish to invite everyone to this great event.  For more information, please contact Zee at 678-508-5050 or email at Violex@yahoo.com