The Dandenong Ramadan night market is back and is attracting huge crowds sharing food and community spirit.

Held every Thursday to Sunday, from 7pm until late, at Dandenong Market during Ramadan, the event is one of Australia’s largest night markets.

Mouth watering food, drinks and make the event a feature of Melbourne’s south-east as it marks the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese helped to launch this year’s market, now in its second year.

“It’s a fantastic visit. I’m really proud to be here to support this local community and to show my support. Ramadan is a really important time, the holy month for the Islamic community, and I’m pleased to offer support,” the Prime Minister said.

He was accompanied through the market by the Bright Community Organisation founder and president, Ahmad Ghowsi and executive members, Ibrahim Hassan, Hassan Maqsoudi and Ali Ibrahimi, on the opening night on February 19.

The PM made occasional stops and chatted with several food traders and stall holders. He tasted baklava with Australian pistachios but with a Lebanese twist, giving nods of approval for the indulgent, sweet pastry.

The PM also tried some locally famous freshly cooked kebabs.

“It’s good fun – bit crowded – but good fun and great food!” he said.

“We live in the best country on earth, and it’s made even better by our multiculturalism and the fact that people of different faiths come and celebrate an event like Ramadan.

“And, at the moment, how good’s this country? We’ve got Lunar New Year. We’ve got Ramadan. We’ve got Lent. We’ve got all of these celebrations and we’re stronger for the fact that our country celebrates and respects all,” the Prime Minister said.

Community members surrounded the Prime Minister, eager to take photos with him.

Mr Albanese was accommodating and posed for photos and selfies, sometimes grabbing a phone to take the selfie himself.

He was welcomed by a large throng of community members, including City of Greater Dandenong Council CEO Jacqui Weatherill, mayor Sophie Tan, councillors Jim Memeti, deputy mayor Phillip Danh, MPs Julian Hill, Gabrielle Williams, Cassandra Fernando, and Lee Tarlamis.

Also there were City of Casey mayor, Stefan Koomen and councillor Hadi Saab from City of Kingston Council.