The gentle silence of dawn and the reflection of prayer marks the start of Eid Al Fitr for Mahrukh Hakim and her family.
The 19-year-old student spoke to Gulf News about how her North Indian family celebrates. They have been in the UAE for over two decades.
"My family is from Mumbai and Baroda [Gujarat] in India. We wake up early for Eid prayers on the day. Some people take a nap after that. At home, my mum usually starts preparing sheerkurma, a sweet made from milk and vermicelli, along with savoury snacks such as samosas and dahi vadas [fried lentil patties in spiced beaten yoghurt]," Hakim said.
The preparations for the day start well in advance, especially when it comes to clothes.
"The tailors are busy and we get traditional clothes [with a lot of work] made. So, that is done about a week or more earlier," she said.
On the day itself, the family usually visits friends and family or receives visitors. This starts by about 10am.
"Guests are served sheerkurma, savoury snacks and chai or tea. This is a must."
One of Hakim's favourite childhood memories associated with Eid are the large family picnics that were held two days later. "All of us would meet up, go somewhere and there would be games," Hakim said.
When the Hakims visit others, they carry small gifts such as chocolates and Eidi [small amounts of money] to be distributed if there are children.
Hakim has grown up in the UAE and feels more at home in the emirates rather than in India.
"I remember an Eid in India ... it was a lot of relatives, more people than I knew existed. I enjoy Eid much more here because I know everybody. It is much more exciting."
Her parents share the sentiment.
Rashid Hakim, her father, said: "Eid is more lively and fun here, due to the atmosphere and Eid spirit all around. Since it's an Islamic country, we have official holidays and everyone is pretty much in the mood for celebration."
For Majedah Hakim, her mother, it is also the proximity to close relatives.
She said: "Most of our close family and relatives are situated in the GCC, so celebration outside [the UAE] would mean being away from them."
Rice and sweets
- Sheerkurma - Milk is cooked with vermicelli and dry fruits.
- Clothes - Zardozi or raised embroidery with gold or silver thread is favoured.
- Biryani - Rice cooked with meat and spices.
