Eid ul-Fitr 2023: how its celebrated in Hong Kong, and foods eaten around the Muslim world to mar
For this particular gathering, though, the celebration is premature.
In 2023, Eid ul-Fitr will be officially celebrated by the world’s roughly 1.9 billion Muslims on April 20-21, starting with morning prayers. Celebrations can last up to three days.
But for Hong Kong’s 150,000 Indonesians, many employed as foreign domestic workers, having Thursday and Friday off for Eid – a public holiday in many countries with large Muslim populations – is unlikely.
Sunday is their only day off, so marking Eid on the last Sunday of Ramadan was the next best option for many.“We’ve prepared more than 400 meals for today’s iftar [evening meal to break fast],” says Sringatin, chairperson of the Indonesian Migrant Workers’ Union, organisers of the breaking fast feast in Victoria Park.
Sringatin, who like many Indonesians goes by one name only, opens one of the bags that will be dispersed among the crowd. It contains snacks – fruit and biscuits – some chicken, an Indonesian-style boiled egg as well as rice with sambal, a spicy chilli-based sauce that’s a staple at all Indonesian tables.
Another container has corn rice, fried bitter melon and a fried egg.
Volunteers also hand out cups of palm-sugar-sweetened coconut water with chunks of pineapple and chia seeds.
Sringatin, who was born on the Indonesian island of Java, has worked as a domestic helper in Hong Kong for more than 20 years. She says better communication about important religious events is needed between workers and employers.
“The Indonesian consulate is working with the Hong Kong Government to make sure there is better understanding about Ramadan and what it means to us,” she says. “Taking care of children and the elderly puts helpers in a difficult position, as leaving their job to pray is often impossible.
“Many employers in Hong Kong are also not familiar with fasting. They are worried that those who don’t eat or drink during the day won’t have the energy to work. But fasting is something we’ve observed for most of our lives – I started when I was 14 years old – so greater understanding is needed.”Fast facts: a Ramadan lexicon – and how to greet the pious
She adds that fasting is not just about purifying the soul. “I feel healthier after fasting and even practise it at other times of the year.”
Rosidah Romlah, of the Indonesian Workers’ Association, is also handing out food. “Eid is about prayer and family and friends coming together,” she says.
Eid dishes she recalls from home include nasi pecel, a mix of rice and vegetables served with a sweet peanut sauce that’s popular in East Java, the province where she was born.
“We also serve fried tempeh,” Romlah says of the traditional Indonesian dish made from fermented soybeans with origins that can be traced to East Java.With the city’s pandemic-related social-distancing restrictions over and mosques open, Hong Kong’s Muslims – of which there are about 300,000 – can finally fully celebrate Eid with each other this year.Nausheen Shahid, a teacher who was born and raised in Hong Kong, will be among them.
“My father served [with] the Hong Kong police for more than 35 years,” she says. “My childhood was spent in the town of Fanling in the New Territories with other members of the Pakistani community.”
Eid, Shahid says, has become known as the “Sugar Feast”, “Sweet Eid” and “Festival of Sweets”.
“People around the world celebrate with sweets and desserts,” she explains.
In the Middle East, one sweet item enjoyed during Eid is maamoul – a date-filled buttery biscuit – while in Sri Lanka, watalappam – a coconut custard pudding – is popular.
In the African nations of Somalia and Djibouti, Eid bread – similar to a crepe and typically served sweet with sugar and yogurt – is often eaten for the occasion.
Preparations on the night before Eid differ between cultures. “We make new clothes for each family member and on the eve of Eid – it’s called chaand raat – girls apply henna to their hands,” Shahid says.One tradition respected globally is Zakat al-Fitr, whereby every Muslim is obliged to make a donation to charity before the start of Eid prayers.
“This is the best part because it’s about caring for others, which is sometimes overlooked in our daily lives,” Shahid says.
Raza Ali Piracha, who was born in Lahore, Pakistan, and has called Hong Kong home for more than 30 years, says that on Eid, the first thing he eats at breakfast is roasted vermicelli.
“Biryani, a national dish consisting of rice and chicken or lamb, is also prepared,” he says.“Celebrations include going over to the parents’ house or older siblings’ house on the first day to eat with them.”
Eidi – gifts, usually money, handed out to children by older relatives or family friends – is also a tradition, he says.
“Like other festivals, Eid is celebrated by giving gifts and sharing food with family, friends and neighbours. It’s all about giving and spreading love.”
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