Jummah Masjid , the largest mosque in the Southern Hemisphere back in the 80's, was the hub of activity and the nucleus of my childhood . Attached to this charming architectural monument ; was also an all girls Muslim school; which I , my siblings and my many cousins attended. The beginning of Ramadaan was always heralded ; by the enthusiastic purchase , of attractive billy cans of different shapes, sizes and colours. These were sold by elderly bearded shopkeepers in mosque topees, in the ancient yet amazing ,Arcade along the school. My sister and I ; always equipped with our billy can of choice; were Ramadaan ready . After school ; we would eagerly traipse along , billy can in hand, to the mosque yard. This was an enclosed area behind the masjid ; often used by the school kids as a play area. Not too far away ; was the famous Manjras Kitchen. The smells and sounds of all the traditional food preps ; would travel to this enclosed yard. Freshly baked naan, buttery naan khatais, crisp jalebis and the woody smoke of the Haleem dheg , almost always , permeated the air. All of us school kids were totally unaffected ; as we played with each other . Not forgetting ; our shiny billy cans already aligned in a gentle yet winding queue on the far side of the yard. The playing would continue until 4.00 p.m ; until the timeous arrival of the Pot. A group of men in casual work clothes , with handkerchiefs tied on their heads , often perspiring, would arduously carry in the gigantic dheg of Haleem . It would be placed at the front of the yard , with a ceremonious removal of the lid. The air is simultaneously, stung by the fusion of familiar flavours of lentils , barley , wheat , oats and a melange of herbs and spices . The shredded meat and translucent wagaar onions floats on the top of this rich broth and clings lovingly to the serving spoon while being stirred. The children would scurry to fall into line with their cans in hand. An elderly man dressed in a pale white shirt, black pants with suspenders , and an obligatory topee, would break into a warm smile ; as he took charge of the enormous serving ladle . We would hastily pull off our can lids and follow the queue patiently . He would generously serve us with more than a fair share of this golden brown broth of promise . Beaming at our procurement ; we collect our belongings and head for home .
dededos
dailybridgerton
baratheonpilled
kianamaiart