Gaza dampener over city iftaar parties

Hyderabad’s crème de la crème cancel iftaar parties and Eid celebrations as a mark of respect for those killed in the Gaza conflict The iftaar during Ramzan is every foodies delight. And while Hyderabadis are busy savouring the special Ramzan dishes at eateries, the usual iftaar invites from socialites and business bigwigs have suddenly dried up. The hustle-bustle and excitement of breaking bread with some of Hyderabad famous families, now appears like a mirage. This year, a number of Hyderabad’s rich and famous have decided to cancel iftaar parties to show their concern and solidarity with the suffering in Gaza. Though the conflict is being played out thousands of miles away from the city, its ripples are being felt in Hyderabad. Pictures and memes depicting death, destruction and despair in Gaza have made it unappetising for the community to celebrate or rustle up famous dishes. “Everyday there is news of innocent children being killed in Gaza. The death toll keeps rising. When you see those visuals, it becomes extremely difficult to plan an elaborate meal,” explains Qutub Alam Khan, who is known for throwing exclusive iftaar parties. “At this point, when human beings are suffering so much, how can one eat elaborate dishes and be happy?” asks Qutub. According to the city’s movers and shakers, the number of iftaar parties have seen a drastic fall this year. “Earlier we would attend at least 14 to 15 iftaar parties in a span of eight to nine days. But this year, I haven’t attended many,” confirms Dr Wajid Khaleel, who cancelled his iftaar party at a star hotel. “It’s not about a particular community or religion. The decision was based on humanitarian grounds. Those children don’t have a roof over their heads, leave alone food to break their fast. Even though we can’t do much, we can at least scale down our celebrations and iftaar indulgence as a mark of respect,” he says. Social media has brought home the horror of the conflict in Gaza like never before. “I have seen how people are reacting to the destruction in Gaza. I had planned an iftaar party at a city hotel, but after seeing those visuals and reading people’s reaction online, I knew it would be insensitive for us to dine and have a good time. It all felt so shallow. I then cancelled the party,” says Md Imran, who along with Ali Saberi, called off the iftaar party at a posh city hotel. Wajid too felt the impact of the Gaza conflict through social media. “If you go through the online profiles of Hyderabad’s movers and shakers, you won’t find them posting pictures of iftaar dishes or posing with friends at parties. It all just seems too wrong when other friends are posting pictures of dead children and mourning parents,” he says. And not just iftaar, there’s a cloud of uncertainty looming large over Eid celebrations as well. “Eid will not be a grand affair in our household this year,” confirms Qutub, adding, “When someone dies in your family, you don’t celebrate. We feel the same.” The Saberi family, known for its grand Eid Milaap parties shares similar sentiments. “Our iftaar party has been cancelled. We do plan an Eid Milaap, but it would definitely be scaled down,” says Hasnain Saberi. Meanwhile, Wajid too is unsure about Eid celebrations. “Our friends swear by the Eid party at my place. But this year, there is going to be none of the extravagance or indulgence. It will be a somber affair,” confirms Wajid.