Ramadan Festivities Begin

Masjids distributing Ramadan calenders and taraweeh arrangements, open air cauldrons bubbling with ghee, sweet jalebis frying, shelves of mouth-watering sweet treat mithaai, bakeries packed with rushing Ramadan shoppers, frozen rolls, samosas, and patties selling away, store shelves emptying like crazy, and fast food joints advertising their suhoor and  iftaar deals ...

That's how I remember Ramadan from two years ago in Karachi. 

 

Today was my Ramadan shopping day and seeing the festivities at one of the Indian stores, in courtesy of Ramadan, brought the feel and spirit of the season rushing to me. When it comes to food, there are traditional favorites that gain popularity. There are popadums, the sugary red sherbet, and sweet treats!

I took my time absorbing the festivities, not as vibrant as Karachi, because what follows ahead is a month of intense worship and also intense physical exertion in the kitchen and around the house, because all work would be on an empty stomach.

May Allah help us all, ameen.