Festivity before Ramadan

observance of graish and ended with the celebration of Eid,” noted Dr Hijji.

Was there any special food cooked on this day? “I don’t remember anything special that was prepared during graish.But usually the women carried along something which was not very heavy. They took rice and a few other things like sweets, tea and biscuits.” Having carried all the eatables with them, groups of women found themselves spots on the beach where they camped throughout the day and enjoyed a picnic.

Changes

The custom of observing graish, though unknown to many is still prevalent in some Kuwaiti families. However with time, there have been many changes. The gatherings are held not on the beach but within the air-conditioned comfort of homes and offices. The efforts are still collective. Food is either made at home or bought from outside. Different organizations across Kuwait organize graish for their employees, giving the workforce a chance to interact with each other in an atmosphere which is not official.

Abir al Sarraf has been observing graish, with her colleagues for many years. “We have a team which looks after the recreation and entertainment of employees and it is they who supervise and oversee the preparation for graish.” The contributory nature of the custom still continues to be observed. The participants contribute either in terms of food or money.

At home, Abir observes this yearly custom mostly with her friends. “On this day we generally prefer to eat food that my sisters and I tend to avoid during Ramadan.” While referring to a book on Kuwaiti traditions by Hamed al Saidan, she says, “In the past, graish took place either during lunch or dinner. On the last day of Shabban, families and friends sat together, ate different kinds of food and had a good time.”

Traditional

Did people dress up in festive clothes during this occasion? “It is not mentioned anywhere that they wore their fineries during this day,” notes Dr Hijji. But Areej al Kandari mentions the traditional daraa that she and her friends wear during graish. She recalls, “There used to be a huge family gathering during my childhood.” Areej and her friends continue