14/03/2024
Meet the Balla family, proud owners of IGA Local Grocer Flinders Street and hear how they celebrate Ramadan // โWhile it may seem like an impossible task, not even drinking water throughout the day, Ramadan is the favourite month of the year for our family. It is the month in the lunar calendar when Muslims who are healthy enough fast from dawn until dusk from food and drink, with the purpose of renewing our relationship with God, by nurturing the whole self - mind, body, and soul. Like many faiths, giving charity is highly encouraged, especially in the month of Ramadan. Itโs a special tradition to break fast (Iftar) together with family and friends. Once the sun sets, we pray together, and then enjoy the vibrant mix of foods (everyone brings a plate to share), including the traditional Albanian dishes of Lakror (cheese-filled pastries) and Fasule (a white bean soup) - Nonaโs specialities! The children always love to make a dessert to share with everyone too! You can probably imagine that by the time we have reached dinner, and the first sip or bite is had, the gratitude for what we have on the table is very much felt and appreciated. As the month of Ramadan draws to a close, we celebrate Eid which marks the end of the month of fasting. We celebrate Eid at the family farm altogether with a beautiful brunch consisting of a large array of traditional and modern dishes and a selection of deserts such as Baklava and Sheqer pare (rich syrupy short bread). After our meal we then spend time exchanging gifts and visiting family and friends.'
To all the local shoppers fasting this month, we wish you and your family, a blessed and tranquil Ramadan.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Balla Family
๐ IGA Local Grocer Flinders Street VIC 3000