COPO’s Neighborhood 360° program is dedicated to revitalizing commercial corridors and supporting small businesses in the “Little Pakistan” area of Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn. This initiative focuses on community-driven solutions to strengthen local economies and foster cultural pride.
“Little Pakistan” is located on Coney Island Avenue in Brooklyn NY. The Pakistani community here started with immigrants coming from Kashmir in the late 1960’s. By 1990 the community was thriving. There are around 120,000 Pakistani’s living in city and like many immigrants, Pakistani’s started driving New Yorks iconic yellow cabs. These new immigrants helped transform this neighborhood. ” COPO successfully had the banners of “Little Pakistan” put up on street poles throughout the corridor. COPO was recognized by several city council members (Jumaane D.Williams, Farah Louis, Brooklyn Borough President, Rodneyse Bichotte, andbYvette Clark) and received certificates, awards and citation for its work on “Little Pakistan”.
Celebrating 75 Years of Pakistani Independence in Little Pakistan
In 2022, Pakistan marked 75 years of independence — a milestone celebrated with pride by Pakistani-Americans across New York City. For many, Coney Island Avenue, affectionately known as “Little Pakistan,” remains a cultural anchor and safe haven.
On August 14, the annual Pakistani Day Mela Street Fair brought the community together in Brooklyn for a vibrant celebration of heritage and unity. Since its inception in 1990, this beloved festival has drawn over 15,000 attendees from across the nation. The day featured traditional Pakistani cuisine, artisan vendors, live performances by Pakistani artists, cultural displays, and fun-filled activities for children — creating a joyful space to honor identity, community, and freedom.
Annual Holiday Lights in Little Pakistan Celebrate Ramadan
In 2023, COPO launched a new annual tradition by bringing Ramadan Holiday Lights to the Little Pakistan corridor in Brooklyn. The goal: to beautify the neighborhood, celebrate the holy month, and honor the traditions of the local Muslim community.
For the first time, festive holiday lights were installed throughout the area, including illuminated Eid trees displayed across storefronts. The community came together for an official unveiling event, where COPO also distributed Ramadan-themed gifts to attendees in appreciation of their support.
This initiative was designed to ensure that Ramadan and Eid receive the same public celebration and recognition as other religious holidays. It’s a moment to spotlight the culture, vibrancy, and unity of Little Pakistan.
The event has drawn wide support from across the city — with NYPD officers, interfaith partners, elected officials, and hundreds of community members joining the festivities. Guests have included Council Members Ari Kagan, Rita Joseph, and Farah Louis, along with Mark Appel, Adeel Rana, Jabaran Akram, and many others.
Each year moving forward, COPO will continue this beloved tradition, making Little Pakistan shine even brighter during Ramadan.
Chand Raat: Honoring Culture, Community, and Eid Traditions
What began as a local celebration has blossomed into one of Little Pakistan’s most anticipated cultural events. Chand Raat, held annually on the eve of Eid, brings thousands of families together to celebrate tradition, community, and the spirit of togetherness.
In 2022, COPO and ACMW revived the event of Chand Raat — drawing over 5,000 attendees to the heart of Coney Island Avenue. The streets lit up with joy as families shopped for Eid and enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere filled with henna artists, bangle vendors, traditional clothing, jewelry stalls, and delicious cultural treats. A special community award ceremony was also held, recognizing local heroes and changemakers.
In 2023, the tradition continued with more vendors, live performances, larger crowds, and even greater excitement. The event expanded further in scale, drawing attention from across the city and highlighting the corridor as a center of cultural pride.
Each year, Chand Raat continues to grow, engaging more small businesses, city partners, and community members. It has become a powerful reflection of South Asian and Muslim identity where celebration meets connection, and where tradition is honored in the most public, joyful way.
COPO is proud to host Chand Raat annually, ensuring the community comes together to mark Eid with the recognition and spirit it deserves in a space that feels like home.
Funded By
