Naib Shahi Imam Hosts Grand Iftar at Jama Masjid Terrace During Ramzan
Navigating the bustling lanes of Shahjahanabad during the peak Ramzan rush, friends and associates of Naib Shahi Imam Syed Shaban Bukhari and his wife Shazia Bukhari made their way to the historic Jama Masjid. They were attending a grand iftar hosted by the couple, an evening that provided a unique glimpse into the rich traditions and spiritual essence of the holy month.
A Rare Terrace View of Faith and Festivity
Typically off-limits to visitors, the terrace of the majestic Jama Masjid was specially opened for this gathering. This exclusive access allowed guests to witness the sun setting behind the iconic Masjid-i-Jehan-Numa, revealing a breathtaking golden hour view. The vantage point enabled attendees to soak in the profound spirit of Ramzan while appreciating the architectural grandeur of the historic complex.
"The idea behind hosting this iftar is to share with our guests the history and traditions," explained Naib Shahi Imam Syed Shaban Bukhari. "We want people to come, understand the culture, and witness this beautiful scenery." Many guests offered their namaaz in a softly lit, domed pavilion adorned with carved arches and fragrant strands of mogra, enhancing the spiritual ambiance.
Breaking the Fast with Tradition and Unity
As the clock struck 6:26 PM, two firecrackers signaled the moment to break the fast. The call for Maghrib prayers echoed through the air, and guests, along with rozedars, opened their fast with khajoor served in a fruit popsicle, accompanied by water and Rooh Afza milk. From the terrace, they observed a powerful moment of shared festivity and faith as thousands broke their fast simultaneously in the sahn, the mosque's vast courtyard.
Attendees dressed in a vibrant array of attire, from snowy whites to colorful shararas and pathani suits, fully immersed themselves in the experience. A mehendi corner under the dome added to the festive mood, with intricate designs featuring crescent moons, lotus motifs, and stars proving particularly popular among the guests.
Bringing People Together for Peace and Unity
Designer Mayyur Girotra, who co-curated the evening with Shazia Bukhari, emphasized the event's broader purpose. "The Bukhari family and I are in sync about bringing together people from all cultures and religions and talking about peace and unity, which the world needs the most right now," he stated.
Girotra added, "Guests were excited to be here because usually one can’t plan a visit to Jama Masjid amidst the daily hustle. Getting access to the private terrace—open only to the family—once a year makes the evening truly special." Notable attendees included Naib Shahi Imam Syed Shaban Bukhari, Shahi Imam Ahmed Bukhari, Mayyur Girotra, and Australian High Commissioner Philip Green with his wife Susan Marks.
A Festive Feast at Iftar: From Mehendi to Fare
The iftar spread was a generous mix of traditional favorites, showcasing the culinary richness of the season. Highlights included:
- Chaat staples such as gol gappe, aloo chaat, kuliya ki chaat, and palak patta chaat
- Heartier dishes like halwa-paratha, mutton nihari, haleem, chicken biryani, and palak chhole chawal
- Grilled delights including chicken tikka and seekh kebabs
- Desserts and beverages like kulfi and kulhad coffee to round off the meal
Many guests also offered their namaz in a space beautifully adorned with fragrant mogra strands, while the mehendi corner continued to attract attendees with its intricate designs.
International Diplomats and Dignitaries Share Their Experience
Australian High Commissioner Philip Green expressed his awe, stating, "Coming here for this evening with the gala crowd, and witnessing an extraordinary array of people breaking their fast is quite phenomenal." Other distinguished guests included Rahul Mishra, Shobhaa De, Divya Mishra, and ambassadors from various nations.
Issa Saleh Alshibani, Ambassador of Oman, shared his recurring appreciation, saying, "I make sure to come here every year. This is the third time I’m coming to Jama Masjid for the iftar, and the atmosphere is really beautiful." The guest list also featured Dr. AM Numan, Abdullah M Abu Shawesh, Ambassador of the State of Palestine, Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, Nawaf Baomar, Hamood Al Ghafri, KC Tyagi, Fatima Hussain, Renu Hussain, and Ayrah Hussain.
This grand iftar at Jama Masjid not only celebrated the traditions of Ramzan but also fostered a sense of community, cultural exchange, and unity among diverse attendees, making it a memorable event in the heart of Delhi.
