The word “Eid” means celebration or feast. For every Muslim, Eid is a moment of celebration, laughter, togetherness, abundance, and sharing. It is always a time to look forward to. Eid brings loved ones closer where they exchange gifts, wear new festive clothes, and give Eid cards. The ladies apply decorative henna on hands, which as a whole reflects a great way to show how colorful the festive is. And the icing on the top, homes lit up with extravagant light displays and preparations of signature festive dishes that are laid on the table.
With any joyful occasion, food always played a great role. Muslims go all out, especially with sweets and delicacies. The preparation for the celebrations begins thoroughly in advance. Mouthwatering and flavorful dishes are the highlight of this festival that is prepared and shared among friends and family. Exquisitely prepared in each other’s company, Eid food adds more happiness to the celebrations and enhances the bond of love between people.
This year’s situation was totally unusual as compared to the prior years. Muslims had a different look this year under the shadow of the pandemic. As COVID turned Ramadan spirit upside down for Muslims around the world, EID arrived with no difference. Some held virtual worships, dedicated to the end of the fasting period. Others had activities that stick them to social distancing. This was required to offer somewhat a replacement of typical social and festive events through ZOOM, Skype, and other virtual means.
Keeping the trend of Eid in this hard time was a bit tough but it was not impossible. Therefore, this year, instead of hosting an Eid Party, we planned to share our table menu with our friends and families around. It was different but had a chance to meet everyone throughout the day and conveying Eid greetings. We planned a menu that had a complete set of cuisine from rice, gravy, snacks, and desserts. My family enjoyed making these treat bags with me, it was a way to keep the Eid vibes alive.
Appetizers
Apart from the main course, appetizers give a boost to the menu. Having multiple appetizers on the serving table before any meal enhances the entire feast. Three kinds of appetizers were added to the Eid treat bag, “SPRING ROLLS”, “CHEESY CHUNK BOX”, and one of all favorites “BEEF n OYSTER SAUCE PATTIES”.
Main Course
Started with the Star Dish “BBQ CHICKEN RICE” in the menu; a traditional blend of smokey, spiced chicken layered over rice along with crisp vegetables, garnished with a tangy chili mayo sauce. A complete stacked plate that everyone will admire.
Along with rice, including a curry known as “CHICKEN RESHMI MALAI HANDI”. The Reshmi handi is a silky, smooth textured creamy dish, a delicious combination of chicken and cheese, cooked in a clay pot.
Dessert
Eid is a time for delicious sweets and savories and incomplete without Sheer Khurma which is a delicious vermicelli dessert. As this dessert is made in each home on Eid, something new and different meant to be included. Therefore, a treat of “CHOCOLATE MOUSSE” and “MOTICHOOR LADOOS” was summed to the Eid bag.
