On Bank Holiday Monday, 2nd May 2022, at the spectacular Landing Forty-Two on the 42nd floor of the Cheesegrater, we hosted a Chand Raat event with a fulsome feast over London's skyline at sunset.
We have thrown many Iftar and Eid celebrations over the years. From small get-togethers in the basement of Dishoom Covent Garden and an entirely halal street food event at Dinerama, to a big outdoor bash on Lewis Cubitt Square in King’s Cross, attended by 2000 guests. This time was slightly different as we celebrated Chand Raat, when the sighting of the new moon marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
The meaning of Chand Raat
Chand Raat (the night of the moon) is the evening or moment the first crescent moon of the month is observed. It marks the end of Ramadan, a period of fasting, prayer and reflection, and the start of Eid, the beginning of great festivities – and of course, the copious amounts of delicious food that comes with them.
The evening is filled with last-minute visits to tailors, adding the finishing touches to the brand-new outfits customarily worn at Eid; a trip to the barber may also be in order. The atmosphere buzzes with the chatter of cousins and friends decorating one another’s hands with intricate henna patterns; the air is scented with seductive aromas emanating from the kitchen, as the Eid feast is prepared.
