Bay Area Muslims celebrate end of Ramadan, month of fasting and reflection

PLEASANTON, Calif. (KGO) -- Muslims marked the end of Ramadan on Friday and it brought together families and communities.

Muslims celebrated the end of the month of Ramadan fasting by giving gifts and enjoying sweet treats.

"We have fasted for 30 days. Today is a day for celebration," said Sajjad Khan of Danville, a father.

"It's called faloodeh," said Khan's daughter. "It's really good."

"It's got some ice cream. It's syrup that they add to it. And there's chia seeds," said Khan.

Eid al-Fitr --also known as the "feast of fast breaking"-- is one of two major Muslim holidays.

MORE: A look at Eid al-Fitr and how Muslims celebrate the Islamic holiday

Muslims come from many different countries with diverse cultures. On this day, they showed up in their best clothing and colorful attire.

"We are wearing abaya dresses because we are from Afghanistan," said Neyhal Nawadi, a Pleasanton resident. "I'm really excited. They're so pretty and I love wearing them."

This year, the celebration at Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton is expected to draw about 6,000 people from across the Bay, despite that extra warm temperatures.

Many Muslims came together first for prayer.

"At the end of Ramadan, we get together as a community to pray for peace, for harmony, of living up to the values that Muslims believe in," said Humera Nawaz, President of Muslim Community Center-East Bay.

Then, they enjoyed the festivities and special time with family and the community.

"I will celebrate with my family. Go to my grandparents' house. It will be amazing," said Aliza Aziz, a San Ramon resident.

For many Muslims, Ramadan is a month of sacrifice-marked by fasting from sunup to sundown. It's a time for learning and reflection.

"I learned to be patient, to be grateful," said Maria Karimi, a Dublin resident.

"The month of Ramadan is a month of sacrifice. It's a month of listening to our hearts, reflecting on who we are and where we need to be," said Nawaz.

While some admit this is a difficult time for Muslims because of the war in Iran and messages from some government leaders that Muslims don't belong. Nawaz says this is a time to remember.

"We have been here. We are entwined in this community," said Nawaz. "This America was made on the basis of people migrating here, finding their faith here, building their community here. So, Muslims do belong."

"I think people have to be more passionate, think about others. I think the world will be a better place," said Khan.