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'Oh dear Muslims, wake up, it's time to have sehri, its time to start fast' companied by the beats of drums, a bunch of men roam around the streets of the city, and you know Ramadan has arrived. This is a call to sehri; it has been a part of our lives for many years.
The experience of Sehri can vary depending on where and in which period you live. A person raised in a suburban area but now lives in an urban area can discern the difference in Sehri traditions between these regions. The author also has a vibrant memory of her series and spent her childhood in the aisles of the port city of Chattagram.
Shift in tradition
Sehri in chattogramwasn't just a pre-dawn meal. It was announced by the rhythmic clanging of a bell that echoed through the quiet night. This wasn't any ordinary bell; it belonged to the nearby college, and its purpose was clear—to wake everyone up for Sehri.
In the past, people would wake each other up for Sehri, relying on their neighbours to help. This showed the collaborative spirit of Ramadan, with people looking out for one another. Today, there are new ways to stay informed about Sehri, like alarms, reminder apps, and online communities. So, the traditional way of waking each other up is becoming less common.
Dhaka's sehri tales
The author had a distinctive taste for sehri while living in Dhaka at their grandfather's house. There was no bell clattering. Instead, the night guard had the duty of waking the residents, and he would personally proclaim Sehri with a loud voice, "It's Sehri time, wake up!"
But this unique way of waking up has also changed. The night guard used to wake the residents with his bare voice, but now he uses an electric microphone. Maybe the age has fallen to his voice. This personal touch lends a distinct flavour to the Dhaka experience.
Sehri at villages
As everyone wakes up for Ramadan, the mood gets happy and exciting. Family members come together. Older people read the Quran beautifully, while the kids, who want to stay up all night, slowly doze off.
This shows both the adults' quiet devotion and the children's innocent desire to be part of the celebration. The fact that many people are also praying Tahajjud, a special night prayer, adds to the spiritual feeling of this early morning gathering.
The kitchen comes alive
Just before Sehri, the kitchen becomes a hive of activity! The women stay up late cooking delicious meals. This special pre-dawn meal gives energy for the rest of the day. The aroma of delicious food fills the air, making everyone excited for Sehri. The family members lazily start to get ready for food; some get up late and make a race with the limited time announced from the distant mosques. But all the members come and sit together to have their sehri.
Sehri weren't fancy because they weren't a competition. Nowadays, social media is everywhere, showing off delicious Sehri ideas and cheering people on through Ramadan. Some might even go to fancy restaurants for Sehri with friends and family. But what makes Ramadan unique is spending Sehri with those you love, no matter what you eat.