Ramadan - A spirit of giving

Ramadan is here. 

The holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calender, is a time for for fasting for the Muslim population. Each day of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink and smoking from dawn to dusk. The time is also spent in increased spirituality, humility and devotion. During this period, Muslims also refrain from all forms of entertainment or enjoyment.

This is also the time for selflessness and charity towards the needy. It is amazing to see the momentum towards charity across all areas of Dubai. From individual efforts to very organised large scale charity events, charity takes center stage in Dubai during Ramadan. One of the most common form of charity is distribution of food to the needy during Iftar, the meal that signifies breaking of the fast at sunset. Lots of organisations distribute food to need workers in the city.

I had the opportunity to witness one such event organised by Axiom Telecom, a local company based in Dubai. Axiom has plans to distribute over 1500 meals everyday during Ramadan across several points in Dubai. 

Yom-e-Istiqlal

The pride in his eyes could have moved mountains. I met Bak Munir Khan, an expatriate worker from Pakistan as he was celebrating Pakistan's independence day. Yom-e-Istiqlal (Pakistan Independence day) is celebrated on 14th August, the day on which Pakistan gained independence from British rule in 1947.

Bak Munir is employed with Sharjah Baladiya (municipality) where he attends to Sharjah's public gardens as a gardener. He was ecstatic when I complimented him on his beautifully decorated motorbike. He has placed several flags of Pakistan on the bike besides many green and white ribbons. I was surprised to find out that he had really no place to go but was only riding around Dubai on his motorbike to 'celebrate the important day'. As we spoke about his country, one could see the pride in his voice. Despite so many recent upheavals, he was hopeful of retiring and going back to a bright and prosperous Pakistan.

Here's wishing all Pakistani residents of Dubai, Happy Independence Day.

Vimto is here

Ramadan is just around the corner.

As Dubai gets ready to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, there are so many changes that announce it's imminent arrival. HR departments begin announcing shorter working hours, the retailers start screaming out Ramadan offers, food prices begin to take several columns space in newspapers, iftar tents start taking shape and good old Vimto takes centre stage!!

Vimto, a cordial of fruit juices is considered an important energy boosting accompaniment to the Iftar, the evening meal that breaks the Ramadan fast. It isn't surprising to find most supermarkets placing huge displays of Vimto at the store fronts as muslims in Dubai begin stocking up their favourite drink. Despite the high energy campaigns by the manufacturers in the past, I had not got myself to buy a bottle of the maroon drink. As I did my grocery shopping last evening, I finally got myself 2 bottles of the fine drink.

Read about the history of Vimto here