Eid Celebration Q8

Kuwait is a Muslim country and so Eid is celebrated with lot of pomp and activities. During Eid, we go to different areas to check out the celebrations. For the last three years we had been doing so and this time was no different. But the best part was Mehr was with us this time.

There are lot of Eid carnivals or mela’s {as we call in India} that are held. During Eid, which ever area you go it becomes very difficult to park your car. You can hardly find a place and it appears that the entire Kuwait( citizens and expatriate) is out enjoying. I wanted to buy a sunglass for Mehr from Mothercare and so went to Al Bairaq Mall. Though I couldnot get the sunglass (stock over….the saleswoman said there is lot of sale) , we ended up watching magic show. Infact when we entered there was Arabic music been played and after sometime we saw a magician performing tricks. Both Mehr and ourselves enjoyed the show. We couldn’t stay till the end as we had to go to Mastanji’s house for Eid dinner.

Magic Show

Next day while going to Anupam da’s house for dinner, we saw lot of activities, people and cars parked in Kuwait Magic mall. We couldn’t visit it that day but visited the next day. An Eid carnival was held and lot of people were enjoying it. Lot of games, food stall, toy shops were there. Just enjoyed the ambience.

We also went to 360 Mall and stumbled upon Zain‘s Eid Spectacular. The event included: Face painting, Caricature drawing, Clown Shows, Games and Prizes and Dressed-up entertainers walking around.

We planned to go to Al Kout or Al Manshar Mall but couldnot get a place to park our car. For nearly an hour we moved around and ultimately when we couldnot find a parking place we moved to Ajiwal Mall. We took Mehr to Future Kids where she played some games and enjoyed. There were lot of children along with their parents enjoying. We moved around Fahaheel , ate swarma and returned.

As we went to Lulu Hypermarket @ Qurain we met dress up entertainers( in Disney characters) and they were also distributing choclates.

We even went to Kuwait city. Though every nook and corner of the country has a celebratory mood, but the best place to experience the traditional atmosphere of Ramadan in Kuwait, is in the old souks of Mubarakiya in Kuwait city. It’s a unique experience to move in the narrow lanes of the souks and be part of hundreds of shoppers that throng the narrow lanes.

On our way, we came across Kuwait City’s Centrepoint and decided to stop and have a look. Here purchased Mehr’s sunglass (of her choice)..…now-a-days kids have their own choices even at such tender age.

Food during Ramadan

Any celebration is incomplete without food. So is the case during Ramadan. Ramadan, the holy ninth month of the Muslim calendar is a festive season marked by family get together, late night socializing and special food. It’s a time for inner reflection, devotion to God and self control .They totally abstain from food, drink, smoking and sexual activity from dawn to dusk. The usual practice is to have a pre-fast meal (suhoor) and before dawn and a post –fast meal (iftar) after sunset.


With so many Muslims observing Ramadan from a variety of countries and cultures, many types of food will be prepared. One may eat anything and everything during the night. But the most popular are dates, honey, breads, soups, fruits and olives. However there are certain special dishes. “Harees” is a special Ramadan dish. The wheat (without husks) is cooked over a low fire with mutton pieces for two-three hours. It’s then mashed with a wooden paddle until it reaches porridge like consistency. It is served on a large, flat platter topped with a layer of melted ghee and a little icing sugar mixed with ground cinnamon. This dish is served throughout the Arabian Gulf. “Yireesh” is like “hares”, but tomatoes, onions, garlic and spices are added to the mixture. “Muhallabiya” is a special Ramadan pudding and “Al geymat” is another popular dessert made from fried dough balls dipped in sweet syrup. Some other dishes are “Surtapam”, rolled pancakes with grated coconuts and spiced cardamoms, “Al-Basar”, shredded beef or chicken with semolina and baked like a cake, “Addukku Roti” ,layers of pancakes with a minced beef or chicken filling. Soups like “chorba”(made from tomato based with chickpeas and spices. Some uses vermicelli instead of chickpeas), “Fasulia”(made from green bean and beef stew) and “Bamia”(meat and okra strew) are very famous during Ramadan. Khyar bi Laban(cucumber yogurt salad),Fattoush(bread and vegetable salad),Tabouleh(wheat and herb salad) and Tomatoey Pasta Salad are consume with enthusiasm. Special beverages are also served. These include an apricot beverage called “qamardeen”, a sweet almond drink known as “sherbet beithan”, cold hibiscus flower tea “kerkeday” and “laban” or butter –milk.

Also there are opportunities to enjoy the taste of Ramadan in various restaurants cafes that serve special Ramadan dishes in this special month.

Sweets are part of Kuwait’s traditions especially during the holy month of Ramadan.Ramadan and sweets so hand in hand. A favourite sweet among Kuwaitis and expatriates alike is “Halwa” which is a cross between a moist buttery sugar-infused cake and a pudding, and contains nuts throughout and on top.Kuwaiti halwa often comes in a variety of colours and is flavoured with cardamom,saffron and rosewater.Halwa can be found from the Caucasus to India;its forms and names are various as the countries in which it is enjoyed.In Lebanon they like with cheese and in Turkey it is called Helva. Kuwait’s “Sambosa halwa “which is commonly served during Ramadan and special occasions,uses alomonds and is covered in powdered sugar."Rahash” is another Kuwaiti variety of halwa ,made using sesame seeds,date molasses and sometimes includes pistachio. Fried dumplings or “Legamat " in Kuwait are served in a sugary syrup and are common sweet during this holy month.”Legamat”is v.sweet and is like the Indian zelebe. Kuwaitis do have their own “zelabiya”

Dates are also an essential part of Ramadan tradition as they are mentioned numerous tmes by Prophet Mohammed. A favourite Kuwaiti twist on the plain date is “Temrhiya” which consists of solid dates mixed with butter and flour.Kuwaitis break the fast with a taste of dates and after a meal they sit and enjoy nibbling temriyah or crumbled tumrah (date) cake with coffee."Gher Aghali” is another sweet which is often served on Fridays through out the year.Its a cake like sweet flavoured cardamom and saffron.Another traditional sweets is “Aseeda” which is a heavy block like sugary sweet flavoured with the ususal saffron and cardamom.Though served in Ramadan and special occasion,it is believed to be beneficial postnatal woman for breakfast.

Cows and sheep were prized animals in Kuwait's bedouin past and as such they are prominent in Kuwait's traditional foods even today. 'Ilbhah' is derived from milk taken from cows or sheep on the first day after delivering a calf. The milk is flavored with saffron and cardamom and is thickened to a pudding-like consistency. It is said that Ilbhah had special vitamins and was likened to the colostrum milk women give to their newborns.

Q8 to celebrate first day of Ramadan TODAY

The State of Kuwait announced Tuesday that Wednesday August 11 would mark the first day of Muslims' holy month of Ramadan.


The official authority assigned to officially announce the commecement of Ramadan said Tuesday would mark the last day of Sha'ban in the Hijra Calender.

Other Arab and Muslim countries are also celebrating Ramadan on Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Yemen, Sudan and the Sunnis in Iraq, Turkey, Malaysia and Indonesia will be starting to fast as of Wednesday.

Oman, however, will be starting Ramadan on Thursday.

Help during Ramadan in Q8

The Mosques Sector of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has set up an emergency room to receive complaints and queries of worshippers and mosque-goers during the holy month of Ramadan.


Assistant Undersecretary for Mosques Affairs Waleed Al-Shuaib said in a statement Tuesday this room would provide a "noble service" for worshippers to facilitate performance of rituals.

The emergency room, he said, would start receiving complaints and queries of people over two shifts, morning from 9:00-16:00 and night after the Ishaa Prayer until 23:00 hours.

Al-Shuaib said there would be emergency teams in the departments of mosques in Kuwait's six governorates to immediately deal with any complaint.

The emergency rooms could be reached through the Mosques Sector's website.

The Ministry of Health, meanwhile, also announces preparation of mobile clinics for men and women, as well as provision of seven ambulances at State's Grand Mosque for the last 10 days of Ramadan.

Assistant Undersecretary for Technical Affairs Dr. Khaled Al-Sahwali told KUNA the clinics would be supplied with necessary equipment.

The Grand Mosque is expected to receive around 50,000 worshippers everyday during the last 10 days of Ramadan, with the number growing every passing night.

The ministries of Awqaf and Health are exerting efforts to facilitate the performance of rituals for worshippers. The ministry of interior, however, is working at another front to tackle beggars during Ramadan.

Ministry of Interior Spokesman Brigadier Mohammad Al-Sabr said begging was an "uncivilized phenomenon which negatively affects the society, and this requires that it is being monitored and eliminated." He said in a statement some expatriates were using Ramadan and other religious days to beg and get money illegaly.

The Ministry of Interior is coordinating with related authorities to launching a campaign against begging to ultimately eliminate it, he said.

Al-Sabr called on citizens and expatriates to call emergency number (112) to report beggers.

Interior Ministry warned people against eating in public during Ramadan

The Interior Ministry on Saturday warned citizens and expatriates against eating of drinking in public during the fasting month of Ramadhan, due to commence in few days, because it would be illegal and contradicting with Islamic teachings.


Ministry spokesman Brigadier Mohammad Al-Sabr said any person seen eating of drinking publicly would be fined KD 100 (USD 347) and jailed for one month maximum, or one of these penalties.

Al-Sabr also called on shops and restaurants to abide by the law or face closure.

My Ramadan Experience in Q8

The holy month of Ramadan(which we call Ramzan in India) is going to start from tomorrow. It’s a special month for thousands of Muslims throughout the world. Its ingrained in their culture and thoughts. They look forward to it but for many people like me (expats) living in a Muslim country Kuwait, it’s not a time to lead a normal life. Some people dread it as the entire day-to-day schedule changes. But when we live in a country with different culture and customs, why not try to learn, enjoy and appreciate the significance of this blessed month and its unique experiences?


The word “Ramadan” comes from the root “ramida” or “ar-ramad”,which means dryness or heat. It’s the ninth month of the Islamic calendar or the Hijri calendar based on the lunar year. It begins with the sighting of the new moon and is marked by prayer, fasting and charity. Muslims should also be away from sexual activity and should not eat or drink from dawn to dusk. The fast begins with “sudhoor”, a light meal eaten prior to daylight. At the end of the day the fast is broken with a prayer and a meal call the “iftar”. Any type of food is eaten but the most popular are dates, honey, breads, fruits and olives. Islam is a very considerate religion as minors and mentally retarded are exempted from fasting. And others like aged people can also exempt from fasting by donating a meal to the needy, while people like pregnant women, sick, travelers can fast equivalent number of days later. It’s a time to strengthen family and community ties as they invite one another to share in the Ramadan evening meal. For them it’s a time for late night socializing.

As Holy Quran states “O you who believes! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, so that you may develop Taqwa”(2:183). “Taqwa” is an Arabic word which means state of heart that motivates virtuous conduct and prevents evil action. Thus the holy month provides an annual training opportunity that is meant to fulfill the character building needs for the rest of the year. Fasting serves many purposes. While they are hungry and thirsty, they are reminded of the poor. It also gives the opportunity to practice self control, self discipline and generosity.

For the last three years I have been in Kuwait during the holy month of Ramadan. On the first day of Ramadan I was surprised to see a complete different picture of Kuwait. The streets deserted, departmental shops and malls which always remain full with activities were closed during the day. It was like a Chaka Bandh in India. I enjoy the luxury of getting up late as office timings are re-schedule. People have a relax work time as most government offices usually work between 8.30am to 2.30pm. So are the school hours. From small shops to big malls, restaurants and cafes and all commercial activities remain suspended from morning to dusk and have irregular hours. And those breaking the rules of Ramadan are fined and punished by the government.

But after dusk, all of a sudden the country hustles and bustles with activities. Big shops and malls provide iftar and the entire city gets a festive look .The shops are flooded with different items and they try to attract the buyers by giving special “Ramadan Sale”. Nights in Kuwait gain a new life as people often stay awake socializing and marketing until dawn. Rich Kuwaitis and charitable organization circulate Ramadan gifts, including food items to poor, needy and low income families. I was surprised when children from different residential complex today knocked at my door and gave sweets and chocolates and asked for girgan. I asked my harish(Kuwaiti word for housekeeper) what it is all about. He told me that “Girgan” is a traditional Kuwaiti festival during the middle of Ramadan when children in traditional dress‘s , sing song and visit residential complex’s and distribute chocolates and ask for sweets and candy’s .

The entire Kuwait experience a festive mood. Even at 1 or 2am in the morning one will have difficulty in finding a place to park one’s car. One feel as if the entire country is out shopping and enjoying. But though every nook and corner of the country has a celebratory mood, but the best place to experience the traditional atmosphere of Ramadan in Kuwait, is in the old souks of Mubarakiya. It’s a unique experience to move in the narrow lanes of the souks and be part of hundreds of shoppers that throng the narrow lanes.

Although it’s the Muslims who fast, many non Muslim expats also fast as they do don’t like to eat before their fasting colleagues. What’s impressing and inspiring is the will power people show by fasting in the hot weather. At the beginning of Ramadan, people wish Muslims “Ramadan Kareem” and at the end of the holy month “Eid Mubarak”. The end of Ramadan is marked by a three day special period call “ Eid-ul-Fitr” ,the “ Festival of Fast Breaking”. It’s said to be a gala time in Kuwait as in all Muslim countries, beginning with a special prayer and accompanied by celebration, socializing, festive meals and gift giving. People dress in their finest clothes and adorn their homes with lights and decorations. It’s “Deepawali”time here. I am eagerly waiting for Eid , to enjoy and be part of Kuwait in their celebration.

Welcoming Ramadan In Q8

I have spent the last three Ramadan's in Kuwait. Now I could not imagine spending Ramadan anywhere else but in Kuwait. Its only after coming to Kuwait, I have learned the true meaning of Ramadan.

Kuwait is getting ready in full swing with shops being jostled by last minute shoppers for RAMADAN. The whole country has taken on a new appearance with shops adorned with colorful Ramadan lanterns offering everything from sweets to special drinks for iftar.

I especially love the time just prior to the ‘Suhoor’ meal, which is eaten right before the time for Al-Fajr, or the Dawn, prayer. It is literally the middle of the night. Yet if I look out my window I can see that everyone’s lights are on. And I can smell the scent of delicious tasty Arabic food floating in the air and sneaking into my home through the open window. I make it a habit to sneak a peek outside my balcony door a few minutes after the adhan every morning of Ramadan. The scene is just amazing. The streets are filled with grown men and young boys running down the streets with their prayer mats swung over their shoulders and swinging in the musky air as they head to the mosque, which can be seen from my apartment, to worship Allah.

However, I must say the worst thing that occurs during Ramadan is price of grocery items that increase by 15-25% during Ramadan. This adds an unnecessary burden to families but the public in Kuwait has no choice but to pay the outrageous prices to ensure that their cupboards and refrigerators are full to feed their families and Ramadan guests.

Last week I went for marketing at Lulu Hyper and Qadisiya Co-Operative. Though I had read that the government is trying its best to control price rise, I didnot find it. Infact the Ramadan sale which the shops are putting up is not much too say. In one or two items they are giving sale but the rest is the same.

But you need to visit the Ramadan fair that takes place in Mishref International Fairground. From food items to show pieces to jewellery to kids items they have all and the prices are also not bad. The best part you get variety of them.