Photo Feature

Breaking the Fast

The minutes before the maghrib azaan the streets of Dhaka are in a fenzy with commuters running helter skelter to reach home in time for iftar. Traffic is crazy and seemingly impossible; yet just before the azaan the streets are empty and there is total silence as the devoted gather together for the much-awaited meal. For many Dhakaites there is no time to go home and the fast must be broken in the place of work or at street-side restaurants. Work is kept on hold as a mish-mash of muri (puffed rice), piaju, beguni and chick peas are mixed together for a modest meal that turns into a feast because of the sense of camaraderie and unity of eating together and sharing that makes this time of year so special.

Photo: ZAHEDUL I. KHAN

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