Do’s and Don’ts of Organizing Ramadan feast in your apartment Community

Anyone living in a housing society can take the lead in organising the Iftaar as Ramadan is a festival that celebrates solidarity and love among individuals. The feast can be organised in any public gathering space in your apartment – the clubhouse, the playground or the lawn after obtaining the required permissions from the management committee. Members of any faith can take an active part in the festivities. There are however some do’s and don’ts that make organizing this affair much easier. To start with, it is advisable to discuss the celebration with the neighbours and decide on a suitable time and date that is convenient for all.

Do’s:

1. Decorate society: Transform your society with bold and vibrant colours to celebrate Ramadan and welcome Eid-Al-Fitr. The entire complex can be decorated using Heena lanterns, hanging streamers and decorative banners. 

1. Welcome the guests: Meet and greet is the main custom of organising a community feast – this allows you to meet the members of society and build the feeling of community. With a warm wish, welcome the individuals to the event. You could also explain about the festival and the purpose of organising the feast.

1. Pray together: Traditionally, a small prayer is said before breaking the fast. Assign a separate space like the amphitheatre, clubhouse, guest rooms for men and women where the individuals in attendance can pray. Arrange enough prayer mats as per your guest counts.

1. Break the fast:  Traditionally light food items such as dates, milk, water, fruit and starters such as samosas, cutlets etc, are served to the guests, to break the fast. Iftaar menus traditionally include hearty dishes such as biryani, kebabs, soups, gosht and a variety of desserts and non-alcoholic drinks. When deciding on the menu, it is important to ensure that you have plenty of healthy options like salads and fruits and also ample vegetarian and kid-friendly options. Alternatively, you could also organise a potluck or take opinions before deciding on the menu.

1. Organize community engagement activities: As a host, you can organise games, discussions and other engagement activities such as watching a film or quizzes to forge togetherness. Ensure that the atmosphere is genial and there are no events that may lead to disagreements.

1. Zakat and Fundraising: Zakat is a significant part of Islamic culture. Since Ramadan is all about giving and the community spirit. You can tie up with non-profit organisations to help a charitable cause. Guests must be informed beforehand about the fundraising activities and Zakat, so that they come prepared with their items to donate. You could organise a donation drive where residents can give away garments, food or other items for the needy. Residents could also get together with the apartment association to organise a feast for the poor. You could also ask the guests to donate to the local orphanage, old-age home or a hospital directly.

Don’ts

• Avoid drinking or smoking in public places: Advise your guests to not to drink or smoke in public, which is not ideal in a community setting.
• Avoid playing loud music: Playing loud music may disturb other residents, cause a nuisance or break noise pollution laws.
• Don’t waste the food: Make sure none of the food is wasted. Arrange to donate the leftovers beforehand. 
• Don’t engage in any disputes: Make sure the guests do not get into fights, arguments, debates, or engage in abusive language during the celebration.

Celebrating Ramadan in your housing society will help the residents know each other better and allow individuals of different faiths to become familiar with and appreciate the customs of other religions. With care, organisation and the spirit of brotherhood, your community can successfully celebrate this beautiful festival.