By Abdellatif Sharaa

holy month of Ramadan is almost here, and it is a long-awaited guest that is held dear by many Muslims, who receive it with joy and special traditions, though they vary from one Muslim country to another. Kuwait has customs that go back many decades, as people here prepare for it weeks before its arrival. You can see shoppers going around stores to buy fancy kitchenware to all that is necessary to cook.

Ramadan calls upon Muslims to refrain from eating, drinking and sexual relations, besides other things from dawn to dusk. People used to gather in Kuwait City just before sunset, where the iftar cannon is located, then break their fast after it was fired by eating dates and drinking laban (yogurt drink). Then once home, they eat a light meal waiting for the ghabqa, which is a full meal normally eaten after Isha prayers, during which traditional dishes such as jereesh, hares and luqaimat are served. As for women, they gather for a potluck and eat together.

Kuwait is well-known for its diwaniyas, where men gather on different social occasions, and many times they turn into mini parliaments where common issues are discussed. Many men have a tradition to play games such as cards and dama (checkers) just to have fun and pass time. One thing Kuwaitis are keen on is to send meals to laborers and the needy who gather in mosques to get their iftar meal every day of Ramadan, and I wonder how it will be this time, because iftar time will be well after the curfew starts.

Another tradition in Kuwait is when the night of the 13th of Ramadan arrives, children celebrate it with girgian, where they carry specially-sewn bags in their traditional costumes and go door to door singing special songs to receive candy, gifts and sometimes money.

A tradition that is found in many countries but has a special flavor in Kuwait is the "Abu Tubaila" or musaharati, where a man roams the streets and neighborhoods beating his traditional tabla (Arabic drum) to wake people to eat their suhoor meal before dawn, when they must stop eating and drinking.

There are many other acts done during the holy month, yet the coronavirus decided to put them all on hold, though I am sure it will be over soon and things will go back to normal, as long as we keep fighting it by staying home and social distance.

Ramadan Mubarak to all my friends, and see you soon!

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