Of iftar and iftar party

People fasting during the month of Ramadan break their fast with iftari. Can it also break any political deadlock? Once a homely affair, iftar items were modest and mostly home-made. That it can be an excuse for throwing a grand party is a late addition -one that is perhaps imported from Delhi. The centre of power and affluence during the Mughal reign, the Indian capital has witnessed display of regal spectacle and growth of a lavish culinary culture. Iftar items had to match the delectable tastes of the majesties of that time. The emperors have long gone but the tradition survives.

The Nawabs of Dhaka adopted some of the ways of the Mughal emperors and no wonder they are the pioneers in taking the art of culinary particularly that of polao and biryiani to a new height. Old Dhaka inherits the legacy till today and this explains why iftari items from Chowkbazar are special, drawing people from different parts of the city. Iftari from old Dhaka has an irresistible appeal to all who care for taste.

Yet the excitement and furore over iftari took a long time to catch up with people in the capital and other cities. It surely has a lot to do with people's purse. When the country's economy was at a low ebb, the question of spending a large sum on iftar did not simply arise. Also, people's modesty stood on the way to use a most intimate religious performance as an occasion for flaunting wealth.

Throwing iftar party to score political points was beyond imagination. Today, top political leaders in opposing camps, who may even refuse to see eye to eye, send invitation for their iftar parties. They know full well that the famous invitee will not attend the gala but they compete with each other in order to send the invitation or Eid cards first. Again, they make sure that the details of how their emissaries reach those cards make headlines in newspapers and electronic media.

Following the political leaders, corporate houses, associations and different organisations now arrange for elaborate iftar parties. Socialisation through such parties cannot be denied but then the spirit is propelled by the new found muscle of economy. Yet the cities in particular seem to be the hot spots for such assemblies and turning a sombre occasion into a raucous one. Against so much din and bustle, the district and upazila towns and villages still maintain a very low profile so far as breaking fast is concerned.

People there are mostly humble and break their fast with the simplest of items. There is no rush for selling or buying pricey and tasty items of various shapes and sizes like it is in the capital or other cities. The way they conduct themselves actually help maintain the ambience of abstinence, which unfortunately is not the case in cities. There is a mad rush for sought-after items. People even stand in long queues to get hold of the items of their choice.

Iftar surely has its classes. How the poor manage to break their fast beggars description. Even children of poor background are found to ask for iftari from residents in different localities in the city.

Then there are some who distribute iftari among the very poor who cannot afford anything worth its name. A family living on Iqbal Road in Mohammadpur opposite to Dhaka Residential Model College distribute iftar among the poor for the entire Ramadan month. The other day it was reported that the Boudhha temple in Basabo has undertaken to distribute iftari among the extreme poor for the entire month, courtesy of a foreigner who often donate for the temple. What piety!

Inter-religion respect like this can remove misunderstanding between communities and bring them closer to each other. All religions attach importance to human fraternity not to harbouring hatred for and indifference to others. The temple at Basabo has set a very good example for others to emulate.