Jillani celebrates Eid with traditional Pakistani dishes in Manila

In Pakistan, the end of Ramadan is celebrated with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, a joyous occasion marked by family gatherings, special prayers, and festive meals. During this time, people engage in various traditions including visiting markets to purchase new clothes, bangles, and gifts. The holiday is defined by the sharing of food, with dishes such as mutton pulao and mutton karahi often prepared to honor family recipes. Jillani, a food writer and author, emphasizes the significance of food in Eid celebrations, sharing memories of her grandmother's cooking. Although she has lived outside Pakistan for over a decade, her connections to the cuisine remain strong. This year, she plans to celebrate Eid in Manila, where she will prepare traditional dishes, including an Afghan-style eggplant and shami kebabs, alongside her grandmother’s mutton pulao. Eid al-Fitr signifies the end of Ramadan and is a time for Muslims to reflect on a month of fasting and increased worship. The holiday is characterized by familial connections, community prayers, and the giving of gifts, especially to children. Celebrations vary across different countries, with unique customs and culinary traditions adding richness to the holiday. In Indonesia, for instance, the mass exodus known as 'mudik' occurs as millions travel home to celebrate with family. Meanwhile, in Egypt, people engage in festive prayers and gatherings, all while exchanging gifts and traditional foods. Culinary traditions play an important role in Eid. Jillani notes how despite regional variations, the essence of Pakistani cuisine remains in the joy of gathering with loved ones. In her cookbook, she captures the diversity of flavors found in different regions of Pakistan, showcasing dishes that reflect the country's cultural heritage. The contrast between the tangier flavors found in the east and the milder tastes of the west highlights the richness of the nation’s culinary landscape. Jillani's research involved visits to 40 kitchens across Pakistan, allowing her to document these culinary practices and their significance in family traditions. As communities around the world celebrate Eid al-Fitr, they not only honor religious practices but reinvigorate the spirit of kinship and care through their culinary traditions. The holiday fosters connections, encourages charitable giving, and serves as a reminder of the blessings that come with family and community ties. As Jillani's experiences illustrate, Eid is as much about the food and the intimate gatherings as it is about the shared spiritual journey of the month of Ramadan.