City turns into 'BBQ capital' on Eid amid sweltering heat

Families prefer home gatherings over outings as women remain busiest in kitchens

KARACHI:

Eidul Azha was celebrated with traditional zeal, combining religious observance with social gatherings, as families hosted barbecues and dinners that are expected to continue until Sunday.

While fulfilling the Sunnah of sacrifice, Karachiites largely remained indoors during the daytime due to intense heat, opting to rest after slaughtering sacrificial animals. Evenings, however, saw a surge in social activity, with families inviting relatives and friends for meals.

Barbecue houses and meat preparation services witnessed significant demand, offering a range of dishes under the popular "your meat, our taste" arrangement.

These included gola kebabs, bihari kebabs, dhaga kebabs, seekh kebabs, malai and reshmi boti, tikka, karahi gosht, fried meat and roasted leg, among other items. Many households also arranged barbecues at home. Women, meanwhile, remained occupied in kitchens throughout the three days of Eid, preparing biryani, pulao and various meat-based dishes. Several residents said Eidul Azha proved particularly demanding for women, who found little time to rest amid continuous cooking and household responsibilities.

"These gatherings provide an opportunity for families to sit together, strengthening bonds of love, affection and brotherhood," said a resident.

Late-night outings also increased, with families visiting ice cream parlours and roadside vendors for cold drinks and traditional treats such as gola ganda to beat the heat. A large number of Karachiites preferred staying indoors during the day, hosting guests at home rather than venturing out.

Men and children were seen requesting a variety of meat dishes and beverages, adding to the workload of women in households.

Some people also complained about a rise in barbecue preparation charges, saying prices under the "your meat, our taste" model increased by around 20 per cent this Eid. Barbecue vendors attributed the hike to the rising cost of spices and other ingredients. Overall, the festive spirit remained strong, with citizens enjoying the occasion despite the heat and rising expenses.