Kuwaitis are deeply committed to preserving their rich heritage by reviving age-old customs and traditions. One such tradition is the celebration of "Graish", observed on the final day of the month of Shaaban, just before the commencement of Ramadan fasting. This day holds special significance, as families come together to prepare for the spiritual journey ahead, marking the transition into the holy month with anticipation and reverence. The tradition of celebrating Graish traces back to the 19th century, when families would gather together and bring an assortment of foods from their homes to the house of the family patriarch.

Speaking to Kuwait Times, Saleh Al-Misbah, a Kuwaiti heritage researcher, highlighted the significance of Graish day as a beloved tradition deeply rooted in Kuwaiti culture. This annual observance holds a special place among the customs and traditions of the state, serving as both a festive occasion and a solemn preparation for the upcoming Ramadan fasting period. As he explained, Graish revolves around the symbolic act of family members sharing a final meal before embarking on the spiritual journey of Ramadan, underscoring the importance of unity, familial bonds and spiritual reflection within Kuwaiti society.

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“Back in the day, families brought their surplus food for fear of it spoiling, especially with the high temperatures and the lack of food preservation appliances at that time. The tradition of celebrating Graish typically involves gathering at the residence of the eldest family member, continuing a long-standing custom aimed at imparting important values to the younger generation. Women and children gather at home to stay up until the morning hours, and men donate money to help needy families, as food preparation for the month of Ramadan begins,” Misbah explained.

Misbah revealed the etymology of the word "Graish", highlighting its significance in Arabic as denoting generosity. He further elaborated that a person described as "Qarqash" is someone who has loose change in his pocket and people can hear it. Additionally, he mentioned an alternate interpretation, suggesting that "Quraysh" signifies the modesty of a meal or its material worth.

The genesis of this custom, as explained by Misbah, stemmed from the practical concern of preventing food spoilage, particularly in regions characterized by high temperatures and humidity without the convenience of refrigeration. With leftover food being typically consumed the following morning, women devised a tradition to utilize all available foods before the onset of fasting during Ramadan, thereby ensuring nothing went to waste while also facilitating family gatherings.

This practice of convening at the household of the family patriarch on the day of Graish, as well as the first day of Ramadan, persists in some families to this day, reflecting a cherished tradition passed down through generations.

Speaking on the culinary aspect of these gatherings, he noted that fish often served as the centerpiece of the banquet. This choice was strategic, as abstaining from fish during the holy month was common, where the consumption of fish was thought to intensify thirst. This encapsulated both the significance of the day and the anticipation of partaking in the traditional meal, emphasizing its cultural importance and culinary symbolism within the context of Ramadan festivities.