The most awaited month for Muslims is here! Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar. It’s commonly known as the month of strict fasting from sunrise until the sun sets. Muslims refrain from eating food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual contact. But it means much more than just fasting. This month will help Muslims to purify their souls and bring themselves closer to Allah. The spirit of Ramadan is about forgiveness, taking care of each other, and remembering the almighty.
The word Ramadan itself comes from the Arabic root ramida or ar-ramad which literally means “scorching heat” or dryness.
This year, Ramadan starts on the 5th of May and lasts until the 4th of June 2019. It is is followed by the biggest holiday in the Muslim calendar, known as Eid al Fitr or Idul Fitri. A delightful celebration of breaking the fasting month by coming together, sharing food, and spending quality time with close family and friends.
Laylat al-Qadr
When translated to English, it means the night of power. Muslims are considering this night as the holiest night of the year. Muslims believe that in this special night the first revelation of the Quran was sent down to Muhammad. It is one of the last ten odd nights in the month of Ramadan and is full of blessings. It is highly encouraged to increase devotion and prayer during this particular night.
Traditional Food of Ramadan
If you consider yourself a foodie, then you’re in luck! Many restaurants and cafes throughout Bali offers their special take on traditional Indonesian delicacies during this time of the year. One of the most popular and widely available type of dish is “Ta’jil”, which consists of various sweet snacks to break the fast, as people usually take a hot or cold drink and sweet snacks to slowly get adjusted to food again after fasting for 12 hours. They will usually start with small Ta’jil and then continue with eating their main meals.
Some of the most famous Ta’jil may include Kolak (a brew of coconut milk, mixed with palm sugar, vanilla, pandan leave, and filled with slices of bananas, sweet potatoes, and occasionally pumpkins), Dates (can be easily found all over the country during Ramadan, dates are easy and simple, with a really sweet taste, that is perfect to break the fast), Es Pisang Ijo (a special snack made from bananas wrapped in green-coloured flour dough and served with coconut milk, cocopandan syrup, and shaved ice), and Es Timun Suri (a cold drink made with the fruit “Timun Suri” which is shaped like a melon and contains lots of juice. It is usually served with cocopandan syrup and honey for an extra sweet taste).
Here in Artotel Beach Club, we also provide a special Break-Fasting Package. Only for 150K nett/pax you can select one of our various selections authentic Indonesian dishes such as Ayam Kalio, Iga Asam Pedas, Sapi Lada Hitam, Soto Betawi, Ayam Daun Kari, and Kari Ikan Aceh. This package also include free ta’jil (chef’s selections), steamed rice, hot tea, and iced water.
So what are you waiting for? Come celebrate the warmth and togetherness of this holy month and break the fast together here at Artotel Beach Club! Sea you soon!
