Around millions of Muslims start their Ramadan with intense prayers and dawn to dusk fasting for a month. This month for them is known to be Islam's holiest month of the year. The entire month, they worship God in form of prayers which is performed at least five times a day. They have to abstain themselves from road rage, fighting, any cursing and gossiping. They visit the mosque several times in a day and if possible also plan to visit the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. During the strict fast they detach themselves from foods and drinks and even avoid to sip a drop of water or the puff of cigarette- a strict fast.
Muslims traditionally break their fast at sunset by performing the prayer in the mosque and start with the sip of water and some dates -"power of food". After a sunset prayer, the large feast known as "Iftari" is offered and shared with their families. Non- Muslims are also equally enthusiastic and eager to be part of their celebration and enjoy Iftari together.
In same way every year, I look forward to be the share of this social event "Iftari" and experience the gastronomical adventure. There are some of the known place in India to do Iftari which is spotted as Charminar - Hyderabad, Jama Masjid - Delhi, Akbari Gate - lucknow, Hazaratbal - Srinagar and the one I visited was Mohammed Ali Road - Mumbai.This place is so alive all the night right from Biryanis, kebabs, raitas, rotis to Phirnis and one of my favorite Mawa Jalebis. Each items listed are in various colors and flavors.
This year I was on high to explore the alleys. Before to start, the believer or follower should be aware about the two meals that are "Sehri" and " Iftari". Sehri is the meal before sunrise which offers usually a simple and non - spicy affairs like naankhatais, biscuits, butter jam sheermal, fruit juices, dry fruits and nuts. "Iftari" is the meal after sunset which have the spicy combination of various meat and Indian breads/rotis and many more to spice up your evening which then continues with the array of attractive and inclined sweets.
My fondest eats from the street is mawa jalebi, viscous flavoured Phirnees, Chicken dum biryani, Shawarmas, Seekh Kebabs, Baida Roti and most delighted Dahi wada from famous Shalimaar. My lengthy food journey was enchanted with lots of take away and eventually the memories was box up until next Ramadan.
And now since, Ramadan is going to end, quickly experience your local affairs on explicit non- vegetarian spread and ripe yourself to celebrate the occasion of EID.
Eid Mubaraka to all and stay tune to my upcoming posts.
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