Around 5 in the evenings these days, as laborers head towards the nearest social iftar centers, vehicles adorned with corporate names and holograms halt at industrial areas, offering iftar kits and a timely meal. This provision has proven to be a great boon for those who previously relied on social iftars.
These diverse iftar kit distributions, organized by either individuals or corporations across the country, have already provided significant relief for not only laborers but also travelers and individuals engaged in menial jobs. This comes at a time when organized iftar camps at mosques are scarce.
By around 5 to 5.30, people assemble near the distribution points well in advance of the suppliers arriving with bundles of iftar packs. These packs typically include dates, water, laban, a fruit, a snack, and nuts, which are then randomly distributed among those in the queue.
Overall, blue-collar workers, commuters, passersby, and individuals stuck in traffic or elsewhere find it incredibly convenient to break their fast with these small kits due to the significant meaning they hold for them.
"Today marks the third day of Ramadan fasting, and since day one, there have been some corporations bringing iftar kits and meal packets to us inside the industrial areas," said Noor al Deen, a worker from the Wadi Kabir Industrial Area.
Laborers often express that they truly experience the beauty of iftar only when they are back home with their loved ones every two years or more. At workplaces, they are confined within the four walls of the building they work in, cherishing whatever little food they have with colleagues and friends.
For many laborers, the chance to break their fast amidst the ceremonial festivities below the Ramadan lantern, surrounded by friends and relatives, is rare. The lavish iftars hosted by hotels on behalf of corporations, which symbolize camaraderie, remain distant from reality for many.
"We have been providing iftar kits to laborers since the beginning of the holy month, not only to our customers but to anyone who comes to us at iftar time. We are happy to distribute iftar kits to passersby," said Subromoniyan K.S, Managing Director, Global Money Exchange, which feeds up to fifty laborers every day.
"These collective iftars organized by corporations as part of their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives instill a sense of being cared for and foster unity, which is the essence of any social iftar. Men from diverse ethnic backgrounds and cultural origins, clad in different attires, come together, bound by commonalities," said Amit Talukder, General Manager, of Global Money Exchange.
They share their first meal of the day from a single platter, assisting each other with drinking water, dates, and other delicacies of breaking the fast.
These men on the move rely solely on those who provide dates and laban to break their fast, as social iftars are not as prevalent this year. Thanks to the generosity of these good Samaritans distributing food at iftar time, they can relax as they religiously end their fast.
By sunset, several blue-collar workers, commuters, and travelers stand together in perfect unison for prayers after satisfactorily breaking their day-long fast, all thanks to the corporations and good Samaritans who have extended a helping hand to them.
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