The occasion of Eid-e-Milad is a visual and gastronomical delight. Also, and more importantly, it is a celebration of the birth of Hazrat Mohammed Paigambar Saheb – the last incarnation of Prophet Mohammad. And Ahmedabad is all decked up and stuffed with lip-smacking grub for the festivities that will take place on Friday.
If the dargahs, mosques and Muslim households are shimmering in the night; homes and food stalls are already belting out myriad delicacies, spicy and sweet, and there definitely is fervour in the air. A grand procession is also planned on Friday.
The kheer occupies the top-slot among the special dishes that are prepared on Eid-e-Milad. Basically a broth of rice, milk and sugar and a dash of dry fruits, the sweet simply liven up the celebrations. “We believe that on this day, more of white foods should be consumed,” said Atiya Shaikh, corporator of Raikhad. “Thus, every household makes this sweet dish.” Several non-vegetarian snacks (mutton samosas, chicken rolls et al) besides chicken biryani (halva and mava samosas) will add spice to the already nice.
“Sevaiya and chicken biryani will be served to the poor, for which, cooks have been hired,” said Iqbal Shaikh, corporator of Gomtipur, revealing the charity angle to this festival. Shaikh and his family are feeding 30,000 deprived people on Friday night. The procession, which will be taken out during the day, will also distribute sweets to the devotees. Preparations for making cakes, patisseries, kheer and fruits have already begun.
“About 5,000 kg of biscuits, 1,000 kg of chocolates and toffees, 8,000 kg of kheer and 5,000 kg of fruits will be distributed during the procession,” said JV Momin, chairman of Eid-e-Milad Central Committee. Also, bakeries run by Muslims in the Walled City will distribute food free-of-cost to participants in the procession.
