People eat at an iftar gathering. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 1: Iftar get-togethers always manage to lift up spirits no matter how difficult it is to observe the holy rituals of Ramazan.

Lavish spreads made of scrumptious delicacies await one after an arduous day of fasting. And when eaten with family and friends, the treats seem even more enjoyable.

No matter what class they belong to, iftar gatherings are enjoyed with equal fervour by all believers.

The Capital mosque, Unit-IV, is teeming with believers in the evening who share dates with one another to break the fast.

Iftar, the ritual of breaking the fast, preferably with light meals, begins with the round of dates. As the evening progresses, mouth-watering biryani replaces the dry fruits.

Mohammed Rehan, who will be playing the antagonist in forthcoming Odia film Kaunri Kanya, believes that along with other rituals, iftar too has its own significance.

“The days of Ramazan are dedicated to the Almighty. Having stayed hungry the whole day, one does not even have the urge to eat in the evening. The food is just part of the camaraderie. The real devotion comes from the fact that a believer, who had not eaten a morsel all day, waits patiently for the exact time to break one’s fast even when the food is ready and near. The excitement of the kids, who do not even observe the fast, is alluring as they create a comical ruckus during iftar,” said the artiste.

He said the cast and crew of the film has been asking him to treat them. “I will offer them dates, sewaiyaan, sprout salad, lachcha, fruits and sherbets.”