Lockdown chefs: Men help wives prepare ‘iftar’, ‘sehri’
PRAYAGRAJ/LUCKNOW: This Ramzan is unlike any other , not only due to the pandemic and the subsequent curbs on movement, indoor prayers and simpler menus. It is also unusual as Muslim husbands are assisting their ‘begums’ in kitchen to beat the lockdown blues.
Some men claimed to have improved their culinary skills in 45 days of the lockdown, much to the relief of their wives. A contractor by profession, Tabrez Ali, who hails from Shahganj area of Prayagraj said, “Generally, I remain off to work during Ramzan. But this time I didn’t have any choice but to stay home. Initial few days were tough but then I realised helping in the kitchen was perhaps the most effective way to beat boredom.”
Ali said though he suffered losses during lockdown still there was satisfaction that he spent some quality time with the family during the holy month of Ramzan. “Also I am utilising the time to improve my cooking skills,” said Ali, who assists his wife in preparing snacks for ‘iftar’.
A medical representative by profession, Shadab Ahmad of Kareli area of Prayagraj also claims to have got ample time to help his wife Lubna in the kitchen. “We often spend time searching recipes for good, different dishes and preparing them for other family members. Thankfully everyone appreciated my cookery skills so far,” said Ahmad.
Fahad Aleem, a lawyer by profession, also spends time in the kitchen to beat the lockdown blues. “District court is still to open and I have free time to try my hands. I am fond of good food and each day, I am preparing something new for iftar, sehri and dinner. I recently prepared kebabs, veg pulao, rajma chawal and some new dishes for dinner which were liked by family members,” Fahad shared.
Faisal Afaq, a businessman also used to stay mostly outdoors for his works. Now instead of getting bored, Faisal is helping his family in the kitchen. “My mother never expected me that I will assist her in preparing iftari or dinner. She is surprised that I am learning cooking skills so fast,” Faisal added.
The hubbies in Lucknow are also having a gala time at home as they assist their wives in the kitchen or try their hands at cooking.
“No doubt the situation is scary and lockdown was initiated to contain the deadly virus outbreak but it is actually turning out to be blessing in disguise for me, as now I have my husband at home round the clock to assist me in preparing meals for iftaar and sehri during Ramzan,” said Almas Farukh, wife of Mohammed Farukh, who hails from Golaganj area in Lucknow.
She said she never knew that her husband was such a fine cook.
“This is a tough time to celebrate any festival. Ramazan being a festival of being together and sharing a meal, it’s actually difficult to celebrate it with restrictions. But the good side is that we are getting ample time to stay home and be with our families. As the work in the festival increases manifold, I decided to help my wife and mother with several household tasks like chopping, cleaning or even baking. We all know that preparing Iftaar is a time bound job so that’s where they need maximum help and I am all for it. I baked pancakes and muffins recently and got praised by my mother for baking them to perfection,” said financial advisor Saqib Zafar, resident of Subhash Marg, Lucknow.
Similarly Muddassar H Zaidi of Tulsidas Marg said, “Ramazan this year brought many responsibilities. We as residents have to not only support the government in the best possible way but also our spouses back home. As there is lot to be done I try to offer help and we share several household tasks. I have always loved cooking so I am preparing dinner almost every day. My kids love it as I experiment a lot with the menu.”.