Eid celebrations planned
AS THE countdown to Eid-ul-fitr begins, some families are going back to their roots with classic recipes, while others are in search of new innovative food menus, personalised gifts and trendy clothing.
Eid-ul-fitr, a Muslim religious festival marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadaan, is expected to be celebrated on Wednesday, depending on the sighting of the moon.
Haseena Bhorat, a content creator, and food and lifestyle blogger on The Daily Dilemma, her Instagram account, said most often the menu offerings for Eid had traditional dishes with added fancy cakes and desserts.
Bhorat said the classic and oldschool recipes that parents and grandparents had used over the years, were making a comeback.
“I brought back classic recipes and they are popular with the younger generation because it reminds them of their mom, aunt or grandmother making it.”
Among the popular choices on The Daily Dilemma’s social media page were the Marie biscuit and custard dessert, masala or roast chicken, grilled lamb and breyani.
Bhorat said traditionally in most Muslim homes, there was a roast dish, breyani, prawns, desserts and cakes.
“This year it’s all about taking the traditional dishes and adding some flare of contemporary to it, like the burfee soji or Milky Bar soji. Many are now choosing the mezze boards to start the morning with a variety of lighter options, like the popular cheese board. In my home, we are making a waffle board for the kids with fruit and toppings,” said Bhorat.
She said Eid was a time of eating, sharing and spending time with family.
“We are seeing bigger celebrations as we did before Covid. Some go as big as having their get-togethers at restaurants or catered at a venue. Gifting has become a trend in recent years, and people look for personalised items,” she said.
Bhorat said the popular dress for the day this year was the butterfly-style Abaya or the Ombre Abaya.
She said people were also trying to be mindful of the conditions of the people of Palestine.
“Regardless of their circumstances, they would also try to mark the occasion of Eid in a way that is possible for them. We have to try and not be extravagant, but still be stylish and celebrate in some way. We do it for the kids because we want to inculcate the traditions in them as many may have fasted for the first time,” said Bhorat.
Zainab Paruk, of Chilli Chocolate Chefs, a gourmet catering company in Durban, said every year there were different trends, and this year many were opting for traditional items with a modern twist.
“We like to bring in fusion cooking, blending traditional with modern trends. There is a lot of emphasis on sustainability and health. Most people are using organic products. Even on Eid day, people want to maintain healthy eating with a festive platter, fresh fruit juices and salads to go with the rich dishes like breyani.
“Our Eid table always has traditional dishes like breyani, kebabs, saucy red chicken, creamy pepper steak and lots more with salads. We go big on desserts,” said Paruk.
For decor, people are choosing to use heirloom cloths combined with the modern set-ups.
“For me, it’s all about the presentation because one eats with one’s eyes first. On Eid day, we do a lot of set-ups and interactive live stations at clients’ homes or venues by preparing fresh starters and desserts. Everyone wants to wow their guests. This year we find many people wanting to go all out. They are also watching their budgets.
“This Eid is big on gifting from food items to personalised gifts, like engraved culinary tools. Our cookie range in four variations form part of our gifting range, as well as our recipe book,” said Paruk.
Aishah Achilles, logistics manager at Fabulous in Hijab, said a popular choice of dress this year was the Abaya, a simple, loose over-garment, essentially a robe-like dress.
“People want something that is easy to wear, that they will be able to wear again. The versatility of an Abaya allows one to wear it to prayers and events. They are soft, flowy and effortless,” she said.
Achilles said this Eid, they released the 1445 Abaya, also known as the butterfly Abaya, in a softer, flowy, non-creasy fabric, and the butterfly Abaya, traditionally available online, was released in silk.
“Silk is expensive, therefore Fabulous in Hijab used a soft and flowy fabric that would be affordable. These cost R650 including a scarf. The 1445 Abaya has been one of the popular choices this year,” said Achilles.
She said customers wanted good quality fabric that did not stick to their body and was lightweight, adding that Abayas could be dressed up or down.
Taahirah Chohan, co-founder of Suhayla, an online Islamic store, said as in previous years, the Eid-themed decor was very popular, especially the banners, napkin rings, and the moon and star fairy lights.
“Every year, the demand seems to be getting bigger. People want to decorate their homes in a festive atmosphere and celebrate Eid. Gift boxes and bags, books, toys and tech products have also been good sellers.
“The Barakah plate is very popular this year. The meaning behind it is that it’s a blessing that will keep going on as long as the plate is passed on. Those who bought the plate will gift it to someone with biscuits or sweet treats,” said Chohan.
“The ceramic handcrafted Barakah Plate was designed for beautiful, intentional gifting that goes beyond the occasion. Gifting that marks the beginning of an ongoing flow of immense blessing, of Barakah.”
Chohan said: “The design of a beautiful, budding stem with blossoms evokes the beginning of Barakah, bountiful blessings, for the one gifting and the recipient. As blossoms grow, so too does the love between one other, through giving gifts intentionally.”
The wording: The Barakah Plate; This plate is given with love, And heartfelt prayers too. A gift of food and blessings, Especially for you. This plate has no owner, So please pass it on. As you gift it to others, May your blessings grow on. Ameen.