happiness and food

Ramadan (also known as Ramzaan) is considered the most auspicious and holiest month of the Islamic calendar. It is believed that during this time the first verses of Quran were conveyed to Prophet Mohammad. During the entire month of Ramzaan, Muslims around the world observe fast from dawn until the sun sets. This period is around 12 hours every day for 29-30 days without food, water, and any other fluids including swallowing ones’ saliva. Ramzaan is not just about fasting. It’s about exercising self-discipline, being true to self and doing well to others.

Iftar is the evening meal during Ramzaan. It’s the time when after offering prayers, the fast is broken with good and rich food. In a lot of cities across India, mosques organize free Iftar where people from all communities are welcome.  An Iftar party organized by families is also a common tradition. While I was in school, I have been to a lot of Iftar dinners at my friends’ place and relished the good food and a lot of warmth. However, after I moved out of Azamgarh close to 15 years back, I have missed the Iftar dinners and the good-will associated with the festival.

Last year I got to know about Mosque Road in Bangalore which is famous for its street food during the Ramzaan evenings. However, it was only this year that I visited Mosque Road for the first time. Knowing that the place would be crowded and finding a parking slot would be difficult, we chose to take a ride on our bike. It was a good first step. If you are new to Bangalore and visiting during Ramzaan, hire an auto. It is well-known destination and you will not lose your way. We also wanted to avoid crowds so we went in a little before the evening prayers were to start.

For over a stretch close to a kilometer or so, there were many food stalls put up include varieties of fish, chicken and beef. Even sweets like shahi tukra, sweet stuffed naan, sevai and many more delicacies were there for us indulge. The food is not so expensive and quality is good. Of course it is street food, so you never know the kind of oil used and hygiene factors but once in a while, it’s okay  🙂 We spent close to an hour in that area exploring food like kalmi kebab, keema paratha, chicken samosa, sweet stuffed naan, something like a banana cake and chicken sticks. The choice was so much that I was confused. The preparations were also so diverse that I was impressed – from Malabar to roasted, grilled, served with aapam, handi cooked and what not . VT being a vegetarian was a real sport and tried everything that I wanted to have!

All in all it was a great time out and some awesome reasonable food. It couldn’t match sitting at a friend’s place and indulging in a home-made mutton curry and sheermal. But I am so glad that I had a chance to relieve some childhood memories of good food during this Ramzaan! Next year I am going to try haleem and a lot more!

A very Mubarak Eid to all! May the festival bring peace and happiness!