Photo Essay: Jalebi Takes Centre Stage at Eid ul-Fitr Celebrations at Montreal’s Headquarters Jamatkhana
By MUSLIM HARJI
Special to Simergphotos
What a finale to the end of the month of Ramadan at Montreal’s Headquarters Jamatkhana, as the Jamat joyously gathered to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr on Monday, May 2, 2022.
While social distancing and the wearing of masks are still observed as precautionary measures inside the Jamatkhana, it seemed as if Covid-19 was behind us once Jamati members gathered in the social hall and helped themselves to a delicious meal after the Eid Namaz prayers. The brief lecture that was given in the Jamatkhana focused on the Jamats coming together, and this they certainly did with the crusty orange Jalebi taking centre stage.
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While the editor of this website, who is now in Calgary, had to happily contend with a small takeout container of jalebi, gathia and sambar, Montrealers, many with masks lowered under their chin, were treated to a delicious serving of sweet and spicy delicacies. I observed a deep feeling of love and unity in the Jamat, and the sharing of joy was very much in evidence after a lengthy period of social distancing and lock downs that kept us apart during the past two years.
Enjoy the following selection of my photos especially contributed to Simergphotos, and visit my flickr page to view many more photos.
The Jalebi and the Sharing of Joy in Montreal on the Auspicious Occasion of Eid ul-Fitr, May 2, 2022
Date posted: May 3, 2022.
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Muslim Harji, pictured at left with his wife Nevin, has been acclaimed for his wonderful photo essays for this blog as well as its sister websites Simerg and Barakah. The couple has lived in Montreal for 40 years, where they raised two children and ran a successful business. Upon retiring in 2004, Muslim and Nevin started to explore the world. All told, together and individually, they have visited almost 50 countries around the globe, and plan to continue fostering their love for travelling the world, picking up from where they left when Covod-19 interrupted their travel plans.
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The editor may be reached at mmerchant@simerg.com.
Muslim you are a talented photographer. Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations captured beautifully. Thanks for sharing this Photo Essay.
Thank you so much, Bha for sharing the wonderful photos and the spirit of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Ap…
Valleyfield, Quebec
Absolutely awesome and beautiful.
Love them jalebi style 👌
Thank you for sharing and your dedication.
May Mawla always keep you and our Nevin jaan happy sweet smiling caring and under Allah’s protection Ameen
Love you all❤️
Shirin
Hi Harj and Nevin,
A very joyous Eid ul-Fitr back to you! I guess you know how much I love your photo essays.
And this time I really wanted to taste the food ! Nevin, it was a huge pleasure to see you in
three of the pictures. Your joy was particularly evident. Bring on Africa !
salaam,
Tom, Botswana, South Africa
How Beautiful! Happy Eid to you and your family and to the entire Jamatkhana family.
I miss them dearly.
Much Love
Jas ( Yoga Teacher)
Muslim, you have truly captured the colourful beauty, elegance, charm and joy of the Montreal Jamat during this festive day of Eid ul Fitr.
Congratulations to you, hats off to you. Thank you for sharing.
Muslim
What a treat! Fantastic colours, costumes of all ages and races enjoying the Eid.
It is a fantastic Photo Essay and each shot shows a story in detail.
Your photography skills are phenomenal and top-rate professional.
K.A. London, England
It is so nice to see everybody so happy and enjoying after Covid situation. Thanks for sharing and Eid Mubarak to all Ismaili Jamat of Montreal.
We can almost taste the jalebi. Thanks for sharing wonderful memories of Montreal.
Beautiful shots of such happy faces marking the Eid celebrations! In comparison our Vancouver event appeared quite tame!
But then we don’t have the luxury of an endowed skilled photographer to capture the all the nuances!
Great job Muslim.
Best wishes
Amazing pictures. Thank you for sharing these precious and cherished moments.
Beautiful pictures! Thank you for sharing them.
Thank you dearest Muslim for delighting us yet again with your beautifully captured moments! How beautiful is our diverse jamat! It is so nice to see you and Nevin in the pictures. Love and miss you tons!!
Gulnor
Thank you Muslim for a beautiful display of people enjoying and sharing Jalabis.
Dilly
(Portugal)