Jakarta, TheIndonesiaPost – Indonesia is not the only country that has a tradition of awakening people for dawn. India, although the number of Muslims is a minority, also has a similar tradition.
The person in charge of waking the dawn in India is known as seheriwala or zohridaar.
They usually wake up at 2:30 a.m. Then go out and take a walk while shouting Asma Allah and the Prophet. They usually carry sticks to knock on doors and walls in homes.
For most seheriwala, this tradition has been carried down for generations in their families.
Although it has been around for centuries, now all the scientists have to fight to keep the tradition from becoming extinct in the midst of technology, where people now rely more on the alarm on their cellphones to wake up the dawn.
This tradition is still carried out in several areas in Old Delhi, especially in areas that have the largest Muslim population.
At dawn, traditionally Indian Muslims will eat heavy foods such as kichdi (rice cooked with lentils), keema (ground meat), eggs, and paratha (Indian thin bread made from wheat).
Like breaking the fast in any part of the world, breaking the fast in India is celebrated with great fanfare and rollicking. Usually an event for family and friends gatherings.
Usually traditional Indian foods are served, such as biryani, kebab, haleem, shorba, and others. Many non-Muslims also join the iftar program and join iftar meals. (BBS)
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