Fasting Archives

How to Slowly Give Up on Vrats: A Married Indian Woman’s Cheat Sheet

“Why do you fast if it makes you so cranky,” my daughter asked. Really, why are women expected to fast, especially for the well-being of the patidev, who anyway fritters away this hard-won long life by watching cricket matches and silly political debates on television?

Ashwina Garg July 11, 2016

Gender

The Secret Lives of Marwari Housewives

In Gujarat, Marwari women lead dual lives. They fast with their mothers-in-law and sip mojitos with their friends.

Runa Mukherjee June 13, 2016

POV

My Name is Khan and I Don’t Fast! Can Non-Muslims Please Calm Down

Each time I open my dabba at lunch hour during Ramzan, the non-Muslim people at work gasp and ask, “You aren’t fasting?” Food defines their understanding of Islam and anyone in violation of that tenet threatens their understanding of the entire faith.

Karima Khan June 1, 2016

Culture

Eat, Pray, Repeat: The Monotony of Eid

Every Eid begins with Amma waking you up early to help her in the kitchen. Abba refuses to give you Eidi as you are an “independent adult”. The rest of the day is spent watching Eid transmissions on TV and eating mutton pilaf, instead of the chicken biryani you asked Amma to prepare.

Fizza A. April 14, 2016