The Ramadan-Eid Affair
Having grown up in Bhopal adds to the charm of Eid. Eid in Bhopal is different than some of the other places in India.
An 18th-century tradition of firing cannons every day during the holy month of Ramadan, a single is fired at the time of iftar and two shots are fired to mark the start of the holy month and the commencement of Eid.
So, if you have ever stayed in Bhopal during the month of Ramadan, you will remember the sound at Suhoor or Sehri, the meal consumed at dawn before the fasting begins. And at dusk, the canon’s roar informs the fast-observant Muslims about the Iftaar time, the evening meal when we break the fast.
Currently, a smaller sonic model of the cannon is being used. An approximate of 25 kg ammunition is required to fire the cannon twice a day during Ramadan. After the holy month gets over, the cannon is safely tucked away in the state treasury.
The moon sighting is a family activity. All the elders and children of the family are out of homes and look for the crescent moon.
It’s fun, some would see something similar to a crescent moon and they would greet “Chand mubarak”, immediately after the greeting some others would reject it as the crescent moon.
Unless the crescent moon is confirmed and till there is a confirmation from the Moon committee, nobody is sure of Eid.
Their dilemma adds to the Eid fun.
As soon as the moon is sighted, there is enthusiasm from all quarters because any festival in India cannot be celebrated alone. The “Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb” is the cornerstone of Indians’ coexistence irrespective of different faiths.
The tehzeeb is to go and wish elders, if they’re in person”, “Assalamualaikum, Chand Mubarak”. Otherwise, call your elders and wish them. Wishing them over the call or in-person is a mark of respect for the elders.
The hustle-bustle of the domestic helps and the cacophony at home amidst different age groups. The elders at home patting the heads to bless the younger ones in the family. Moreover, hugging one another and wishing Chand Mubarak.
The markets are opened until 4 in the morning. People flocking the savory, sweets, tailoring, footwear, home decor, jewellery shops, and places like Bhopal, bangle stores see the maximum crowd.
The Chand raat is the night when the crescent moon was sighted. The last-minute shopping is done on Chand raat.
You would see the gutsy folks who would dare to enter the market area on Chand raat.
Some of the skills matter the most on Chand raat, such as bargaining, persuasion and riding and driving skills. You do not need any skill if you have to walk the market. You have to stand at one end place, the crowd will move you to another place by nudging, pushing and so. The empathetic ones would even offer you a lift.
The masjids (mosques) are illuminated in the most trendy style.
On Chand raat, the timings for Eid prayers are rolled out. So, apart from the five times prayers, both the Eids witness six times prayers. The women at home prep up stuffs for cooking.
The dry fruits cutting, sewiyyan roasting, dahi vada, the non-vegetarian food preparation. The onion frying, the marination, the aroma of saffron and kewra water, cardamom, the freshly made garam masala (spices).
The questions—such as has the curd packet been opened, whisked and kept in the fridge? Are the dry fruits cut and ready, which bangles are you wearing with your Eid dress, what’s new in the market this time, the footwear is shown to the family to inform them that the right shade of the footwear was found at an XXX shop.
Everything is kept ready for the next day. The excitement for welcoming guests at home, the happiness that you get when you get a surprise from a dear friend or a colleague.
There is nothing as inviting people on Eid. Everyone is welcome irrespective of whether you know someone or not. Eid is an icebreaker. The new neighbours, colleagues, someone’s cousin, someone’s uncle, everyone is welcome.
The D-Day arrives. The men eat light breakfast and leave for mosques for Eid prayers. The mosques are crowded and there are no reservations made for people to stand in the first row based on any criteria.
After the namaz, the greetings are exchanged even if you don’t know the other person standing beside you.
After the men reach home, the women and children wait to greet and hug the men folks to celebrate Eid.
The guests start visiting, humour, praises, light breakfast to luncheons to dinners in which, the queen of Eid, her highness Biryani and the king, his highness Sheer Khurma play an important role. The Eidi (cash gift given to anyone who is younger than you ) is one of the highlights of Eid. No tags attached to Eidi. Anyone can give any amount; no formalities.
The togetherness, celebration, love, exchanging gifts and laughter are the crux of this festival.
In India, festivals cement the bonds among people of different faiths. With enthusiasm, the departure between guests and hosts is sealed with smiles and hugs. Please visit again is also one sentence that engulfs the air.
With such solid relationships and such love among us, the host feels proud to be associated with other Indians who enjoy the festival with the same zeal and fervour as the host.
Long live India and long live our relationships.
With a prayer to be united this way forever.
*** Eid Mubarak all! ***
June 26th, 2017
