Ramzan offering: Centuries’ old Nawabi norm of feeding poor continues

Lucknow: The 186 years old tradition of serving food to poor during the holy month of Ramzan continues in the city. The tradition started by third King of Awadh, Muhammad Ali Shah, in 1839 is followed every year by the Husainabad and Allied Trust (HAT), which is responsible for administration and upkeep of several Nawabi-era monuments, including Chhota and Bada Imambaras.HAT assistant office superintendent Habibul Hasan said, "Muhammad Ali Shah created Husainabad Endowment Deed in 1839 to feed poor. Money spent on kitchens comes from revenue generated from properties under HAT. As per the tradition, meals are cooked in the kitchen of Chhota Imambara daily during Ramzan and distributed to about 600 poor people for iftari. Besides, the kitchen also prepares iftari for about 1,600 people who come to offer Maghrib (evening) namaz in 13 mosques under HAT every day.Head cook at Chhota Imambara Bawarchi Khana, Murtuza Hussain, said "As per the tradition, dal and tandoori roti are cooked for three days followed by ‘taley hue aloo ka salan' (fried potato curry) with roti the next three days. The cycle continues throughout Ramzan." As many as 20 workers are involved in cooking meals and distributing them to the poor who come at the fixed time with their bowls", he added.Mosques which come under (HAT) include Bada Imambara Mosque, Chota Imambara Mosque, Karbala Mosque, Capital Mosque, and Kazmain Mosque.Iftari comprises a plate of gujhiya, chana, samosa, bread butter, pakodas, suhaal, and a fruit (preferably banana)."If it ever happens that there is a huge crowd and there is not enough food, it is prepared immediately and served, but no one is sent back empty-handed," said the in-charge of the Chhota Imambara Qamar Abbas.