Jessica, a Junior Lecturer, shares her earliest memories about Shab-e-barat. "There were a lot of sweets, and halwa, and the family gathering together to observe the occasion. My aunts and grandmother would tell us how this was the night that Allah decided our destinies, and thus urge us to pray. While we weren't quite convinced about this, we offered our prayers just the same."
Her colleague, Muntaser, argues 'We never observed this occasion at our home, because Shab-e-baraat isn't considered to be a part of our religion. You won't find them observing it in the Middle East. It's more of a cultural thing."
Thus the debate wears on. Religious festivals are undoubtedly the best and most favoured part of every culture. Be it is Eid or Puja, Christmas or Hanukah, festivals are what people all over the world look forward to; the few precious days of the year when tradition and celebration go hand in hand. These are days that bring about joy and fervour among everyone's lives, be it the rich or the poor, the young or the old. To Muslims here, one such upcoming festival is the much-awaited Shab-e-Barat.
The fact that this day is considered a somewhat festival is debated upon among some people, but it is also undeniable that Shab-e-Barat does carry traditions along with it, at least in the context of our country.
Regardless though, the first images that flash across the mind when thinking of Shab-e-Barat, are that of mouth-watering halwa. For years, the making of different types of home made sweets, such as vermicelli and especially the halwa, has been a ritual that is carried out with great dedication and devotion.
The preparations for the various types of halwa usually start a day or two ahead. As is customary, the halwa is distributed among friends, families, neighbours, and of course, the poor.
Accompanied with these delectable sweet treats is another item, the chaaler ata ruti, or chapattis made out of rice flour; patiently prepared and rolled out throughout the day by the women of the household. As delicious as these may taste with halwa and other sweets, in many families, these chapattis are also saved for dinner, to be enjoyed with a traditional beef or duck bhuna.
Apart from food, Shab-e-Barat also brings along a fair share of fun for younger family members. On the eve of Shab-e-Barat, youngsters in groups of friends or cousins come out into the streets or go up to their roofs and light fireworks to celebrate the coming of the next day, which however is not very legal. And of course, after the day has passed and all the chores have been completed, people sit down for their namaz, many offering prayers throughout the night.
At the end of it all, this is the day when the wealthy share some sweets with the poor. This is the night when many Muslims come together in seeking the divine blessings of Allah. Thus, be it for religious, traditional or historical reasons, Shab-e-Barat is no doubt, a day that has a great deal of significance in almost all of our lives.
Source: thedailystar.net
