Muscat – In our series – Ramadan Around the World, today we are exploring the celebrations, community iftars and prayers observed in Kashmir, India.

The people there are not only preserving the traditions but also taking them forward.

Muscat-based Lateef Shahdad, general manager at Mass International, who was born in Srinagar, Kashmir, India, said, “Kashmir is where you see buzzing food and night markets during this holy month of Ramadan. It’s like a holy carnival. The whole place take a hue of a glittering festival where people throng to markets to get their favourite and traditional food.”

“During iftar time people rush to mosques and usually break fast as they are served food there. The night market remains open and the whole environment remains jubilant with hustle and bustle in streets, which marks the spirit of Ramadan,” he added.

On what is unique about Kashmir, Shahdad said, “One of the most memorable traditions is of Sahar Khans, (Drummers calling to wake people up for Sahoor). Every night, during the month of Ramadan, when most of the people remain in deep slumber, drummers, known as Sahar Khans, walk the empty streets of Kashmir, particularly in Srinagar city, to wake Muslims up for pre-dawn meals.”

This age-old tradition has remained relevant in the valley despite availability of modern gadgets, he added. “Drummers chant at the top of their voices Waqt-e-sahar (it’s time to have pre-dawn meals), waking up everyone in the neighbourhood, moving from one lane to the next, beating the drums.”

On the importance of the holy month, Shahdad said that it is a sacred month. “It recharges our spiritual self and helps assimilate the Islamic teachings in our daily life. Life in the month, is in a state of spiritual bliss, which makes me feel peaceful and compassionate.”

Shahdad said that it is important to prepare in advance for the month, a lesson given to him by his late mother. “From childhood, my mother used to prepare us mentally well before Ramadan. So it was easy for us to get into the mood and join the spiritual journey along with our parents.”

Fasting, he said, doesn’t make him slow, rather he finds himself more energetic and passionate towards his daily activities in Ramadan.

Shahdad said his day in Ramadan is well set, right from preparing for suhoor followed by Fajar prayers and by joining work as per schedule. “After work, I help in preparing iftar and the whole family joins in breaking the fast, making it a cherishable moment,” he said.

The food is always at centrestage during the month of Ramadan and selecting the menu for iftar and suhoor always remains a high priority. “The family decides on the dishes with each one getting a chance to chose their favourites, which keeps everyone happy,” he added.

Shahdad likes breaking fast with traditional drink Rooh Afza mixed with basil seeds with a mix of fruits. “And later I prefer eating rice, either traditional Pilaf or Uzbek Plov (Lamb Pilaf) along with famous Kashmiri mutton Yakhni similar to Mansaf (traditional Arab dish). Desserts like fruit puddings are also well enjoyed,” he said.

During weekends, Shahdad plans iftars outside his home and selects a place where friends are invited to enjoy breaking fast together. “Usually after breaking fast and prayers I go for a walk or to the gym to keep fit.”