A time to feast and share

The month of piety and sacrifice is set for a festive climax. The Muslim community is ready to break its dawn-to-dusk, month-long Ramzan fast on Monday.

The Eid-ul-fitr or Eid, that marks the end of Ramadan, is not  only an excuse to eat to one’s heart’s content but an occasion to get together with family and friends.

Metrolife speaks to a few people across the City to understand what’s in store for Eid and the significance of the occasion. After a visit to the mosque and a round of namaz, Muslims break their fast with an elaborate breakfast. Youngsters bring along their non-Muslim friends just to give them a feel of Eid.

The women folk in most Muslim households in the City cook throughout the day, treating not only their family but their guests as well to a sumptuous feast. New clothes, jewellery and shoes are also an indispensable part of the celebrations.

The Khan family on Wheeler Road has been serving biryani for a couple of years now. Their biryani is popular in most parts of the City. Khan’s is a large family and on Eid, family and friends, who hop by the Khan household, never leave without feasting on Mrs Khan’s biryani.

Mrs Khan has two sons and a daughter — all married and well-settled. “Breakfast is something to look forward to on Eid. We break our fast with Sheer Kurma, which is a sweet dish made from vermicelli, complete with dry fruits, kofta curry and butter paranthas.

Lunch always has mutton or chicken biryani accompanied by kheer, curry and raita and Shahi Tukda made from milk, bread and ghee,” explains Mrs Khan. Her sons, daughter and daughters-in-law join in the cooking.

Asma Banu, a student, has not only bought herself new clothes, but also plans to invite a couple of her friends over for lunch.

“After the early morning prayers, we feast with our family, friends and neighbours. After a month-long penance, this festival is truly special.

I help my mother dish out a variety of dishes like gulab jamun, halwa, mitta and biryani of course. It’s time to get together with our near and dear ones,” observes Asma.

Shahid Khan, a resident of JP Nagar, has a huge family of seven children.
He says that he has been shopping for clothes and jewellery for the last one week.

“It’s not only a time to splurge but share what you have with the less privileged. We have an orphanage in our neighbourhood. On Eid, we sponsor lunch and dinner for the 50-odd children who live there,” says Shahid.

He believes that sharing during Eid adds a human touch to the celebrations.