SBS marks 50 years of sharing culture and knowledge with all Australians this Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr – As more than 800,000 Muslim-Australians observe Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, SBS is showcasing diverse voices and perspectives through its distinctive slate of cross-platform content in 22 languages*, including explainers, articles, movies, teacher resources and recipes, from now until mid-April 2025.
SBS is offering a compelling month-long line-up packed with diverse voices and distinctive storytelling to celebrate culture and build understanding and connection. Observed globally by millions, the holy month of Ramadan is marked by dawn to sunset fasting, prayer, reflection, family and community, culminating in the festivities of Eid al-Fitr.
Managing Director of SBS, James Taylor, said:
“In our 50th year, SBS is proud to continue to champion the diverse cultures that reflect contemporary Australian society. This Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, we’re pleased to share stories and information in 22 languages, reflecting the diversity of the communities observing this time together and strengthening connection and belonging.
“Our multi-platform offering has informative and entertaining content for all Australians, including articles and cultural explainers on SBS Audio, food shows and recipes on SBS Food, and a curated collection of movies and documentaries on SBS On Demand. There’s something for everyone, from those who observe this cultural occasion to those who want to understand more.”
SBS Audio will mark Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr across its language programs with a host of fresh content. SBS Arabic brings Ramadan songs each evening from 7-8pm; SBS Hindi explores how geographical location determines which countries fast longest from dawn to sunset; and SBS Bosnian dives into the role of sweet dishes in local Iftar gatherings, sharing recipes and perspectives from the community.
SBS Audio will also explore how First Nations peoples of Islamic faith observe Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr through a blend of customs and traditions, provide an etiquette explainer for non-Muslims on how to support their Muslim friends and colleagues through the month, and publish a pronunciation guide for popular greetings.
SBS Food is cooking up a storm with a flavourful lineup featuring the premiere of Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton’s Dubai Dishes (Thursdays at 7:30pm from 27 March). A new season of The Cook Up with Adam Liaw premieres a special ‘Celebrating Eid’ episode featuring Olympic boxer Tina Rahimi and MasterChef Amina Elshafei (Wednesday 26 March at 7pm), with Southeast Asia on a Plate – Rendang premiering the following Sunday (30 March at 4:30pm). TV cook and award-winning food writer Donal Skehan also returns with Donal’s Feasts, Fasts and Festivals. Join him as he explores the kitchens of people of various faiths (Thursdays from 13 March at 7:30pm).
SBS On Demand celebrates the festivities of Eid al-Fitr with a collection of curated entertainment and documentaries for all Australians to enjoy through the month. Sci-fi thriller Animalia revolves around Itto, an expectant mother who becomes separated from her family during a supernatural event in Morocco. Experience a taste of Turkey’s very best in Shane Delia’s Spice Journey – Turkey, the second stage of Shane’s odyssey through the Middle East. And comedy drama, Faithless follows an Irish-Egyptian dad as he raises his three daughters with the cumbersome help of his brother.
SBS World Movies showcases a soul-searching collection of compelling stories of faith. Iranian film Children of Heaven tells the story of two children who lose a pair of shoes and in their adventure to replace them rely on community, family and love (Sunday 30 March at 6:55pm). With an all-Saudi cast, Within Sand dives into a story of survival and self-discovery (Monday 31 March at 7;30pm); followed by Hajjan, a compelling coming-of-age drama full of tragedy and turmoil set against a camel racetrack (Monday 31 March at 9:40pm).
SBS News hosts a variety of topical stories from across Australia. as well as explainers on Eid al-Fitr and its differences with sister celebration Eid al-Adha.
SBS Learn provides educators across the country with a refreshed Ramadan and Eidteacher resource aligned with the Australian Curriculum. Developed in partnership with the Islamic Museum of Australia, this year’s resource features a new infographic and collaborative classroom activities for primary and secondary students.
SBS is marking Ramadan and Eid across Australia by partnering with local councils and community groups including the Liverpool City Council for the multifaith Most Blessed Nights festival (Saturday 8 March) where SBS will run a special audience activation. SBS is also a proud partner of Lakemba Nights (presented by the Canterbury-Bankstown Council from Thursday 27 February to Sunday 30 March), as well as SalamFest (VIC), Arab Festival (WA), Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair (NSW) and Eid Show Bankstown (NSW).
For more information, visit www.sbs.com.au/ramadan
*SBS’s Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr content is available in Arabic, Bangla, Bosnian, Burmese, Dari, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Indonesian, Kurdish, Malay, Malayalam, Nepali, Oromo, Pashto, Persian, Punjabi, Rohingya, Somali, Tamil, Turkish and Urdu.
Media Release – SBS
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SBS marks 50 years of sharing culture and knowledge with all Australians this Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr
