A Harvest of Memories: The Sharjah Iftar Experience

On the afternoon of Saturday, 15th March 2025, the sun hung low in the sky over Sharjah, casting a warm golden hue across the sprawling Qasmiyyah School Organic Farm. The fragrant scent of earth, mingled with the sweet aroma of blooming flowers, drew a crowd of eager residents ready for a unique experience, one that promised to intertwine the age-old traditions of community and harvest with the joyous spirit of Ramadan.

The Sharjah Architectural Triennial had organized an event that would turn ordinary moments into memories—a harvesting experience that invited families to dig their hands into the soil, to nurture and to learn. As the participants gathered, they were welcomed by the warm smiles of local farmers who guided them with enthusiasm, sharing their expertise on organic farming techniques.

“Today, we become one with the earth,” one farmer proclaimed, holding a sprayer filled with organic neem leaf liquid. The children, their eyes wide with excitement, rushed forward, eager to help protect the vibrant rows of tomatoes and cucumbers. Laughter erupted as they took turns spraying the plants, feeling empowered by their new knowledge and the responsibility bestowed upon them.

As the sun began its descent, painting the sky in stroke after stroke of pink and orange, the community paused for a moment of reflection—a call to prayer marking the breaking of fast. Families gathered under the shade of the trees in a makeshift majlis by the farm, reverently sharing their thoughts and gratitude as the day’s warm glow faded away.

After prayers, the tables were brimming with an extraordinary spread of food, a potluck that showcased the rich tapestry of cultures within the community. Each family had brought their favorite dishes, from spiced biryanis to delicate pastries (Goan coconut baathk cake, Goan bebinca, Goan guava sweet & coconut cocad barfi, South Indian fried puffs with coconut and jaggery, Keralite sevayam milk dessert, Goan aromatic tendli (ivy gourd)pickle, South American Nachos with dip, Pakistani jalebis and samosas and fragrant arabic tabbouleh salads to name a few.  The air filled with joy as people exchanged recipes, laughter, and delightful stories behind every dish served. The evening felt like a culinary world tour—with flavors from around the globe mingling harmoniously under the starlit sky.

As twilight deepened, a roaring fire flickered to life in the center of the gathering, casting a cozy glow that beckoned the children. They squealed in delight as they held skewers, eagerly roasting marshmallows, each gooey treat a reward for their work in the fields. Parents watched lovingly as their kids chattered and giggled, the simple pleasure of roasting marshmallows over an open flame becoming a cherished rite of passage.

As darkness enveloped the farm, the gentle rustling of leaves harmonized with the sounds of community—the sharing of stories, the clinking of glasses filled with refreshing drinks, and they celebrated not just the passing of the day, but the spirit of togetherness that Ramadan embodies.

That Saturday evening in Sharjah was much more than a gathering; it was a celebration of community, culture, and connection—a reminder of the beauty found in shared experiences. With hands once buried in the soil now raised in gratitude, the residents departed with hearts full of joy and a little bit of dirt under their fingernails, knowing they had harvested not just fruits and vegetables, but precious memories that would last a lifetime.

(With all due credits to my one and only dad - Bernard D'Souza)