New Educational College - http://www.nec.ac.mu/portal
A Celebration
http://www.nec.ac.mu/portal/articles/47/1/A-Celebration/Page1.html
Beejadhur Sewumber
Born: Aug 21, 1949 Primary Ed. : 1962 Secondary Ed. : 1967 Univ. Ed.: 1978 Joined Nec Staff: 1979 
By Beejadhur Sewumber
Published on 09/28/2006
 

It was going to be the last day of the Ramadhan, our annual month of fasting. Around seven fifteen that night, we were looking up to the sky when we saw the beautiful crescent moon. We burst out with joy as we would be having an annual family feast the following day.


That morning, I woke up at about five, and, after the morning bath, I accompanied my father to Quatre Bornes Mosque for the first prayer of the day. We met others there. Then, we hugged everyone in turn. Returning home, I perfumed myself, as per our Muslim custom, and wore the new clothes which Father had bought specially for that occasion.


A Celebration
Having wished a happy Eid to my brother and sister, I helped Mother in making sweet vermicelli in milk. At about seven, we went to pick my grandfather whom we took to the mosque like many others do to their elders. We entered the mosque with bare feet, in great respect, and carefully listened to the holy speech of our Imam. The,, in silence, we meditated, offering prayer to God for all the facilities and healthy life and prosperity He has given us.


After the prayer, I put on my slippers and while passing through the door, I put some money in the big box intended for the poor. I again greeted my friends and hugged them. My father invited Grandfather home where we had the sweets after greeting the whole family.


That night, we had a grand dinnerat my grandmother’s place. It was made up of three courses: Chicken soup, Briani and dessert. Briani is spicy fried rice in ghee with very spicy meat. The light and harmonious atmosphere is really a relish for us and we all eagerly wait for this festive time. It is also a moment for family togetherness. Children enjoy the most as it is the meeting time for all cousins and to relate very many incidents that happened at their school. Dinner ended at about ten. Exchange of gifts took place. I received a total of five hundred rupees on that day.


It was time to go back home. One by one all my uncles departed. We were the last to leave. It had been a very happy celebration. The next day we would have normal work. We must wait for one year to be able to participate in Ramadhan.