The holy month of Ramzan is observed with solemn practices and piety across the Muslim homes in the country. It is marked by practices that may be explained by borrowing a certain concept from the Buddhist literature, ie, right conduct, right speech, right means of livelihood etc.
Thus, it is not only fasting, which is the external form of this observance but more importantly shunning all negativities and bringing into daily routine of life exercises that are informed by a more humane, ethical and moralistic standards. The other aspects are penance and charity. People pray and seek forgiveness for their wrong deeds and vow to lead a more pious life in future. They also do lot of charity by making cash transfer to the poor and the needy through what is called the system of Zakat. This serves a very useful social purpose, a semblance of social security network for a limited period every year.
The festive part of Ramzan is marked by Iftar parties thrown as much by the influential persons as by the ordinary mortals. Of course the latter is generally a more genuine social display of cultural affinity. On the other hand, Iftar parties by important persons are seen by some people as a political exercise to build networks, even criticised by some as showy and pompous. It is the end of the rigour of fasting for a month that comes to be celebrated on Eid. The festival of Eid-ul-Fitr is known for its conviviality and festivities. The main attraction of this occasion is the party that is organised in Muslim households of all ranks.
The invitees are not only family friends but also young boys and girls, friends of younger members of the family. Women play a very critical role in the success of an Eid party as the range of sewaiyan, qormas and biryani are simply out of question without their willingness, genius, skills and hard work. But admirably they, like their breed from other communities, do it with a sense of responsibility and pleasure and without any expectation of rewards.
Children of all ages and other members of the family also play very important role in preparing for and hosting the Eid party. In fact, it is truly a family show in every respect that strengthens the bonds between members as well. An interesting aspect of Eid party is that nearly all guests in a Muslim household are non-Muslims. This is no rocket science. Typically, Muslims would invite friends to their place and therefore would have no chance to go anywhere themselves on Eid day. The multiplier effect of this is that the middle and upper middle classes as a general practice basically host friends at their homes from other communities on Eid day, and if at all, visit relatives and friends from their own community the next day.
That also, however, does not happen always for reasons of high pressured life in the metros. Thus Eid becomes a huge occasion to bring communities together. The synthetic nature of this festivity is very unique and has a great value for a country of India’s rich cultural diversity.
Eid Milans like Iftar parties are organised by cultural, social and political organisations and private institutions to celebrate the occasion with friends and family. Just as the name suggests, the concept seems to have probably come from Holi Milan but has increasingly become popular with all sections, which also shows the very positive process of cultural synthesis happening in our country at various levels. So it is at par with religious festivals like Holi, Diwali, Christmas and Guru Parv; so also with cultural festivals like Pongal, Onam, Biasakhi and Teej, in fact it is a mix of both and that gives it a distinct flavour.
To give an interesting but queer example, I have known a non-believer prominent Muslim gentleman who does not go to mosque ever, not even on Eid but organises festivities at his house with stream of visitors all day. On my seeking an explanation for the party, he informed that Eid had a cultural and social context and a family legacy for him that he respected. One may have one’s own impression about this anecdotal citation but the fact is that Iftar and Eid parties are truly more cultural than religious, at least in our country and that is the strength of India’s democratic culture and polity.
