Video Editor: Mohd Irshad Alam
After midnight, street vendors open p shop in Pakistan, selling a selection of traditional food during the holy month of Ramzan. Locals purchase staples such as stew, bread and yogurt drinks for Sehri – the meal eaten before the sun rises. From Nihari (slow-cooked meat) to Paye (cow and goat feet), the Kartar Pura market in Rawalpindi has something for everyone.
Something for Every Taste
“Here, big and small Paye, and Nihari are very tasty and famous. Their Nihari is famous on the market street. It’s not spicy, even a child can eat it.”Mohammad Aktar, Customer
Other vendors freshly prepare Kulcha flatbread. Churning yogurt, shopkeeper Sharafat Hussain makes the traditional drink called Lassi.
“We adopted a traditional method and recipe, there is no use of machinery. When we churn yogurt, its aroma attracts customers. When the customers drink it, it gives a unique taste.”Sharafat Hussain, Shopkeeper
A Month for Charity
During Ramzan, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset. Iftar is eaten as the sun sets. During the holy month, people also donate to charity.
Volunteers distribute Iftar meals to those who are unable to afford food. As the sun sets people begin to queue to collect their meal packages.
“My stomach is full with this Iftar. I even take the food home with me for my kids so they enjoy it. I pray for them (the organisers), may god bless with honour and prosperity.”Dost Mohammad, Labourer
Volunteer Aqeel Abbas says:
“When the deserving and needy people get Iftar packs, I see satisfaction and happiness on their faces. We feel very happy in our hearts during the month of Ramadan. May god give people privilege, so they do charity.”
The end of Ramzan is marked by Eid.
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