Video from yamu.lk
This is the month of Ramadan and millions of Sri Lankan Muslims are fasting. I tagged along with my friend Halik to see what it’s all about, for YAMU. This time is also a chance to explore different Muslim neighborhoods as they come alive after sunset. Every mosque seems to offer free “break fast” meals during Ramadan. Even as a non-Muslim I can go in, do my ablutions and partake with them. It’s a very interesting time and a very spiritual time, as Halik discusses above.
YAMU covers the Colombo scene as it is, and this month Ramadan is a big part of it. This video covers Slave Island, so the small mosque on one side of the junction and Burgers King and the street scene on the other.
I will say that, personally, I found the experience quite peaceful and moving. The first day I wasn’t fasting but I tried (with a late start) on the next day, when we went to the Grand Mosque in Pettah. I’ll put that video up tomorrow. Even for one day, it changes how you think.
What I was touched by in the video above was the spiritual aspects of Ramadan. Fasting is an altered state which can help you reach higher levels of consciousness, it is like a daily meditation, carried on for 30 days. Halik refers to it as spiritual bootcamp, and I think it can be. I’m not sure everyone takes it that way, but it at least makes you remember something bigger than yourself and your daily bread, so to speak.
I hope all my Muslim friends are having a blessed Ramadan. I think all Sri Lankans are looking forward to some wattalapan when fasting ends.
Is that food lying squarely on the floor? That’s kinda gross to be honest.
there’s a plastic sheet
“This is the month of Ramadan and millions of Sri Lankan Muslims are fasting.”
Interesting Stat, do we have millions of Muslims in SL?
Maasha Allah
That’ good…. was thinking about panugaya and stuff when I saw that bit…………….