Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • NPR

    In Southern India, The Spirit Of Ramadan Is Served In A Bowl Of Porridge

    To break the fast at sunset, mosques distribute nombu kanji, a lightly spiced rice and lentil porridge, to worshipers and the poor. The meal epitomizes the Muslim holy month's spirit of giving.
    by Fehmida Zakeer May 26, 2017 4 minutes
    Young Indian children sit with bowls of porridge (<em>nombu kanji</em>) as they prepare to break the fast with the Iftar meal during the Islamic month of Ramadan at The Wallajah Big Mosque in Chennai last July.

    As I hurry home battling the rush hour traffic in the evening, I see a queue in front of the gates of the local mosque. Men in white skull caps, women clad in saris and burkas, young children with school bags on their backs — all are waiting with containers in their hands for a share of the nombu kanji. Mosques in the south Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala distribute the kanji, a lightly spiced rice and lentil porridge, before the sunset prayers during the fasting month of Ramadan, which starts Friday evening.

    During her pre-Ramadan shopping, Shahida. She distributes the additional provisions among four women who work for her.

    You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

    More from NPR

    NPR5 min readIndustries
    China Makes Cheap Electric Vehicles. Why Can't American Shoppers Buy Them?
    American drivers want cheap EVs. Chinese automakers are building them. But you can't buy them in the U.S., thanks to tariffs in the name of U.S. jobs and national security. Two car shoppers weigh in.
    NPR5 min read
    In 'The Fall Guy,' Stunts Finally Get The Spotlight
    For years, Hollywood's behind-the-scenes action heroes have been pushing for an Oscars category to honor their work. Many hope The Fall Guy will make it a reality.
    NPR7 min read
    Unions Double-down In The Deep South: Can Alabama Pave The Way?
    Three high-profile labor disputes have unfolded in central Alabama over the past several years, with Amazon warehouse workers, coal miners and autoworkers all speaking out for change.

    Related Books & Audiobooks