I hope you all are doing well.
Today was both cleaning day and dawat day, a combo that most of us know too well. Cleaning is a regular part of life but when it is time to host a dawat, it's like a whole new level. It is like we suddenly become cleaning ninjas and focusing on spots we usually ignore and mothers especially go into overdrive, saying things like "Clean this! Clean that! Make sure every hidden corner sparkles" as if the guests are going to inspect under the bed, behind the curtains or inside the cupboards 😂 But that’s the beauty of it. The extra cleaning is part of the excitement of hosting a dawat and even though it is stressful but we still love the process. It is funny how dawats bring out the best in our homes.It is always a mad rush but at the same time that are those moments that make dawats so special.
Today's dawat was special as we invited my father's two phopos (aunts) and their families for dinner. The event was significant because one of my father's phopos had just completed her iddat. A period of sorrow that follows the passing of a husband. It is a ritual that after completing her iadat, a widow is invited to a dawat as a way to bring her back into social gatherings and offer support.
For those who are unfamiliar, the period of iddat lasts for four months and ten days, during which the widow stays at her home and observe certain practices that reflect modesty and remembrance of her late husband. The completion of this period is an important cultural moment that signals a new chapter for the widow and a dawat is one way to honor that. So today’s gathering was filled with both respect and celebration.
I woke up at around 12 pm had breakfast and jumped into the cleaning. My mother, of course had been up much earlier and busy cooking some delicious dishes for the evening. My first task was dusting but then i realized i was out of sync. Our house helper had not swept the floors yet so i paused and waited for her to finish. When she was done i resumed dusting. After that it was time to change the bedsheets. I changed all the bedsheets and make sure everything looked fresh and good for our guests.
Then i moved on to the crockery. You know the drill, the fancy crockery only makes an appearance when guests come over so i carefully took it out from the cupboard and cleaned it. This process always reminds me how much effort goes into hosting but these little touches make guests feel special. I even washed a few extra utensils to help my mom out in the kitchen.
By 6 pm, I ironed my clothes and got ready for the dawat. Soon, both families started arriving. We greeted them warmly and shared some laughs and it was nice to have everyone gathered together in our home.
Now, It is time for the food. The highlight of the evening was biryani, which we had ordered from outside. When my father brought the deg into the kitchen, i clicked a picture.
The moment he opened the lid, the entire house was filled with the heavenly aroma of biryani. The fragrance was absolutely captivating. The steam rising from the biryani was like a signal to everyone that dinner was about to be a real delight. Honestly it was the type of biryani that makes your stomach growl just by looking at it.
But that was not all, my mother had made herself a qorma. When she served it in a beautiful bowl, the rich, golden gravy shimmered and the smell was mouthwatering. The meat was so tender and the spices blended perfectly, creating a dish that was both flavorful and comforting. My mom is a genius when it comes to qorma.
We served everything with naan, raita and salad, creating the perfect meal for the guests. As we started serving i could see the anticipation on everyone’s faces. The biryani, qorma and sides came together in a way that made the meal unforgettable. The compliments started flowing in and my mom was filled with happiness.
Then it's time for the dessert. The moment everyone had been waiting for. My mother had made her signature kheer and it was the perfect end to the evening. Creamy, rich and with just the right amount of sweetness, the kheer was a total hit. Everyone loved it and it was clear from the empty bowls that the dessert was a win.
After dinner, we sat together and talked for a while. It was nice to just relax and enjoy each other’s company. At first i thought i would get bored when i heard that my father's phopos were invited. I was convinced it would be a quiet evening but as soon as they arrived, my perspective completely changed. We talked, laughed and i actually had a lot of fun. It reminded me that spending time with family even when you think it will be boring, can turn out to be something truly special.
As the evening came to a close, our guests said goodbyes and headed home. I felt a sense of accomplishment, not just from all the cleaning and preparation but from the joy of bringing family together for a memorable evening. Sometimes, it is these simple moments that stay with you the longest.
@amnafaraz2005
Hi, @amnafaraz2005,
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