Ramadan in Pakistan

01/08/2010| IslamWeb

Moonwatching

 

The excitement starts when people first catch sight of the Ramadan moon. There is a hustle and bustle in the streets deep into the night as people start preparing for the month of fasting by stocking up on essentials. The men head to the Mosques for Taraweeh prayers, while the women start preparing the Sohoor (pre-dawn) meal.

To wake everyone up for Sohoor a man tours the neighborhood before dawn, banging on an empty tin. The noise is loud enough to rouse people. The tin he uses is a cheap replacement for the more traditional drum.

Islamic songs at Sohoor

The Mosques join the effort by broadcasting Nasheeds (Islamic songs) across the city, and count down the minutes towards the end of Sohoor time. Most Pakistanis prefer something substantial for breakfast, such as paratha (buttery flaky flat bread) eaten with a curried dish of their choice. Jalebis (crisp fried orange spirals soaked in sugar syrup) in milk are also a favorite. Whatever the choice of breakfast, it is always followed by tea.

If you look out of the window at Sohoor you will see lights on in every house, and people already going about their business. Food shops and restaurants generally open during Sohoor time then close for the day, only re-opening around at sunset.

Charity and prayers

In Ramadan Allah showers us with many blessings, and even the smallest of good deeds can reap great rewards. During Ramadan we also remember poor and needy people. This is why it is also called the month of charity.

During the days people recite the Quran and pray extra prayers. Normal working hours change so that people go to work earlier than normal in order to return in time for Iftaar. Schoolchildren love Ramadan because classes finish by 12.30 giving them the rest of the day off.

Plenty of Pakoras

Preparations for the evening's Iftaar meal begin as early as mid-day. Every home is sure to have pakoras (fried vegetable fritters) to open the fast - in fact Iftaar would be incomplete without them! People also enjoy fruit chaat (spiced fruit salad) dhai bhaley (spicy dumplings in yoghurt), and samosas are very popular with everyone.

Restaurants also have special menus for Sohoor and Iftaar, so many people go out to eat during Ramadan. After the Iftaar meal the men go to pray Taraweeh prayers at the Mosques, while women might gather in a local house to pray together. Everyone returns home to finish the day with tea.

Night of the moon

So eventually the days of Ramadan pass. On the last night of Ramadan, when the new moon is sighted on 'Chaand Raat' (Night of the Moon) the hustle and bustle of 'Eed begins. 'Eed Al-Fitr is also called Choti Eid (Small Eed) or meethi Eid (Sweet Eed) as it is shorter than Eed al-Ad'haa and is associated with many sweet dishes.

Decorated in multicolored lights, the shops are open all night, as many people go out to buy new clothes and shoes for 'Eed. The atmosphere is excited and happy.

Men and women both wear the traditional shalwar kameez. 'Eed clothes are an essential part of the celebration, and little girls might wear a colorful lengha or garaara (tunic top with wide skirt, or wide-legged trousers).

Sevian exchange

Early on 'Eed morning little children can be seen criss-crossing the neighborhood carrying bowls of sevian (sweet vermicelli cooked in milk with nuts and cardamom) for their neighbors, greeting everyone with "Eed Mubaarak!"

Everyone is awake early for Fajr (dawn), and bathe and change into their new clothes ready for 'Eed prayers. Before going to pray the family sits down to a traditional Pakistani 'Eed breakfast of sevian. 'Eed prayers are often held in the open, and white tents are set up to take the extra crowds.

After prayers, people visit their neighbors. The youngsters gather around the elders to receive their "Eedi" (a traditional gift of money). Eedi is also given by brothers to their younger sisters of whatever age.

'Eed feasts

Extended families get together for 'Eed lunch which is a huge feast. Favorite dishes vary from family to family but might include Biryani (spicy rice with meat), Chicken bhuna, lamb kebabs, rasmalai (sweet milky dish), mithai (sweets), kheer (sweet rice dessert) and 'Eed cakes.

The day after 'Eed the Eid Millun parties begin in schools, colleges and places of work. Pakistanis enjoy 'Eed so much that they stretch out the celebration with these parties, giving them another excuse to eat delicious food with friends and colleagues.

By Shazia Bashir