‘Meethi Eid’ unimaginable without sweets

KARACHI:

Eidul Fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramazan. It’s a day when people meet their families, friends, and communities, and get together to indulge in delicious home-cooked meals, exchange gifts, and offer congregational prayers.

The festival is also called ‘Methi Eid’ due to a variety of desserts eaten and exchanged as gifts on this day. Seviyyan is a quintessential Eid delicacy which is enjoyed by most people to celebrate Eidul Fitr, but there is a huge variety of desserts and confectionary items that attract shoppers ahead of the festive occasion.

In Karachi, the approach of Eid has shot the fervour for delectable sweets and cakes to its pinnacle. People are flocking to bakeries and sweet shops till late hours, purchasing an assortment of cakes, sweets, and savoury delights to exchange as gifts with friends and family on the joyous occasion.

Traditional Eid delicacies such as sheer khurma, seviyyan, kheer, custard, and shahi tukray adorn the table in many households, alongside an array of ice creams, beverages, and juices to beat the summer heat. For this reason, famous sweet shops in the metropolis are abuzz with shoppers.

In the spirit of Eid, presenting cakes and sweets to guests is a cherished tradition, further accentuated by the availability of new varieties in bakeries and sweet shops. Cakes are gaining popularity, especially among children, with bakeries witnessing a surge in orders. However, this year has seen a rise in cake prices, with specialty cakes commanding a premium.

Eidul Fitr is celebrated with an array of sweet flavours, including the all-time favourites gulab jamun, chum chum, and ras malai. Special attention is given to dietary restrictions, with sugar-free options catering to the elderly and those with health concerns.

The excitement peaks a day before Eid, with a flurry of activity at sweet shops that continues throughout the festivities. Traditional sweets like barfi, kalakand, and moti chor ke laddoos add to the festive ambiance, alongside the ever-popular sher khurma prepared with seviyyan and dry fruits.

Cake sellers report a significant increase in sales during Eid, with preparations beginning well in advance to meet the heightened demand. Pineapple, chocolate, pistachio, and a range of exotic flavours dominate the cake selection, catering to evolving tastes.

Despite the allure of cakes, traditional sweets hold their own, with an expanding variety commanding higher prices. From Arabic sweets to fruit-based baklavas, there's something to tantalize every palate. Cashew nuts, fig halwa, and a medley of nuts and chocolates showcase the opulence of Eid celebrations.

As the city prepares to embrace the spirit of Eid, the aroma of sweets and cakes fills the air, symbolising the warmth and generosity that define this joyous occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 10^th, 2024.