Bhopal: Nearly 2,000 people, belonging to different castes and religions, take part in a 10-minute roza Iftaar called ‘Saath-Saath Roza Iftaar’ at Iqbal Maidan in the city during the 30 days of the holy month of Ramzan. According to the organisers besides, Mecca and Madina, Bhopal is the only city in the world, to hold roza Iftaar in the open for 30 days.
Iqbal Maidan Roza Iftar committee has been organising the Iftaar party for last year. It is open for all and its aim is to send out the message of unity in diversity, brotherhood and harmony. One of the core members of the committee, Iqbal Beg says to Free Press about the concept of the Iftaar party, “The timing of Iftar is fixed and most of the working people find it difficult to reach home in time due to heavy traffic in the evening. So, we decided to organise an Iftaar Party at such place where people can reach easily and break fast. And Iqbal Maidan was best place for the pious work. It is open for all and especially for those who are unable to arrange food for Iftaar.”
He further says, “Initially, we started it with 50 tables and around 500 people did Roza Iftaar. You will be surprised to know that this year we have arranged 250 tables for around 2000 people from different places of the city in a day. We have also a special facility for women and children.”
“We have now 60 members including business person, office workers, students and in our team. Earlier, we had 40 members. The work of each member is divided. Some people purchase fruits from Mandi and some a make sharbat, cut fruits and some take care of cleanliness. It is 18 hours hard work for 10 minutes Roza Iftaar to serve foods including namkeen, fruits and sharbat nearly 2000 people everyday. We start work from 11am,” Beg said.
He said that we serve different varieties of Sharbat including Litchi, Mango, Rooh Afza, kairee pana and badam shake on different days. “Badam shake is the toughest to make it takes whole days of effort.”
Another core member of the committee and fashion designer Mumtaz Khan said, “We are neither taking any help for government nor doing it for getting publicity. Our aim behind this is to send out the message of brotherhood and harmony and to help poor people who are unable to arrange food for Iftar. Apart from Muslims, people belonging to different faiths including Hindu, Sikh, Christian and Buddhism participate in it.”
“Maintenance of cleanliness is a very difficult task for such a big event. We are able to manage it only due to hard work and support of our volunteers. They also maintain traffic system here very well,” the fashion designer added.
