Ramadan from the ground

Food has been one of the highlights of my Bengali experience so far, but most of the people around me are not eating or drinking (even water!) from sunrise to sunset. Ramadan is in full swing, giving me the opportunity to experience something quite unknown to those Catholic parts from which I come. Luckily I gained some basis in Islamic traditions through my world history teachings last year in Kosrae, but witnessing it gives new meaning.

Ramadan is one month long (we are more than halfway through now) and is the most sacred month of the Islamic calendar, commemorating the prophet Muhammad's receiving of revelations. It ends in a 3-day celebration called Eid that is full of foooood and gatherings, by my marginal understanding. Naturally, I am excited for this. After Eid Chittagong will return to its normal state, aka crazier, although shops are PACKED right now as people buy food and clothing for Eid.

We Western folk are eating normally but trying to curtail eating and drinking in public to be respectful. Even abstaining from my usual gulps of water during some long lectures with the students has proven difficult! I can't imagine what an adjustment it is for the Muslim students here and especially for Olympians.

Muslims wake up very early to eat and then break the fast at sunset with Iftar. This is a large meal starting always with three dates and, in my experience, including many delicious Bengali treats. Last night we volunteers attended a lovely Iftar hosted by AUW's vice chancellor. Evidence here:

The tables set just for us! (I chose the pink table of course.)

Mingling

Preparing to nom with some great fellow WorldTeachers

The initial plate - see the dates? The squiggly thing is a type of Bangladeshi mishti - sweets.
Deep fried, honey filled, and super sweet goodness. There is also fruit and some other fried concoctions.

Checking out the AUW stage

And finally, here's a gem we spotted from the van a few nights ago and went to explore. Who wouldn't want their wedding driveway to look like this?!

Bengali beauty!