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Muslim people celebrate Eid at the end of Ramadan, the ninth month in the lunar calendar, which is in the autumn. Ramadan is a time of fasting from dawn to sunset – fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam – and Eid lasts about three days.

There are parallels between Eid and Christmas: Muslims send cards to family and friends to wish them a happy and blessed Eid, and the other similarity is the amount of traditional food eaten.

The Hanover Close sheltered scheme in Bradford has a mix of ethnic backgrounds, so it seemed appropriate to help the local Muslim community celebrate Eid on the same day we opened the scheme.

We aimed to reach as many local people as possible, so we publicised the event with posters in community centres and shops. Bradford's Telegraph and Argus newspaper carried an advert and the local Asian radio station gave us some free airtime.

The event expanded a few horizons. Some people got to taste proper Asian food for the first time

On the day, we decorated the communal lounge with saris draped on the walls. We burned incense sticks and played traditional Asian music. A colleague and I dressed in traditional Pakistani attire to welcome visitors.

A Halal/vegetarian food buffet was served: there was mango lassi (made from milk, mangos, yogurt and sugar), fresh vegetarian samosas and pakoras, sandwiches, chilli sauce, chutney and Indian sweets.

The residents really enjoyed the day. The event expanded a few horizons: some people got to taste proper Asian food for the first time.