The Birth of a National Tradition in Lucknow
Lucknow, renowned as a hub of composite culture, has historically enriched art, craft, language, and inclusive living. Beyond these contributions, the city pioneered a distinctive innovation that, upon replication, evolved into a cherished national tradition: the practice of non-Muslims hosting 'Iftar' gatherings for Muslims during Ramadan. This custom, deeply rooted in Indian secularism, has transcended borders, influencing even global leaders like the President of the United States and the King of England, who now host lavish Iftar events at the White House and Windsor Castle, respectively.
A Clever Political Maneuver in 1974
The origins of this tradition trace back to a strategic political move in Lucknow in 1974. HN Bahuguna, newly appointed as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, faced a sectarian clash between Shias and Sunnis in the city. Seeking to broker peace, Bahuguna encountered resistance from Advocate Ashraf Hussain, a prominent Shia leader who was observing the Ramadan fast and initially refused to meet. In a diplomatic gesture, Bahuguna proposed breaking the fast together, an offer that Hussain found difficult to decline.
Veteran Congressman MN Abdi, who had close ties to both Bahuguna and Hussain, facilitated the meeting. For this inaugural official Iftar, Bahuguna instructed DD Joshi, then District Magistrate of Lucknow, to ensure Hussain's arrival and departure with full official protocol. The city magistrate, overseeing the Hussainabad and Allied Trusts, arranged traditional items from royal kitchens, which typically provided free Iftars for the needy. The spread included fruits, sharbat, sheermal, kebabs, and Lakhnawi pulao (biryani), setting a precedent for future events.
Expansion and Adoption by National Leaders
Other attendees at that historic Iftar included Shia priests like Maulana Kalbe Abid, Sunni priests such as Maulana Hashim Miyan Firangi Mahali and Ahmad Miyan Firangi Mahali, along with figures like Begum Hamida Habibullah and Nawab Afsar Husain of Narhi. Non-Muslim leaders, including Babu Mahabir Prasad Shrivastava, Dr PD Kapoor, BN Kacher, Kranti Kumar, and journalist Bishan Kapoor, were also present, highlighting the inclusive nature of the gathering.
Bahuguna continued this practice with more structured Iftar parties at his official residence. During the Emergency, Indira Gandhi, after dismissing Bahuguna, adopted the custom to appease aggrieved Delhi Muslims who had suffered police excesses, thereby spreading the tradition beyond Lucknow. Over time, Iftar parties became a staple on the social calendars of presidents, prime ministers, chief ministers, and governors, with hosts vying for suitable dates and leveraging their influence in case of scheduling conflicts.
Modern Iftar Parties: Traditions and Tokenism
A widely accepted template for these events emerged, featuring crisp white kurta-pyjamas and Muslim skull caps, alongside Mughlai cuisine and desserts like shahi tukda. However, flexibility exists, as seen in pure vegetarian Iftar parties hosted by figures like former governor Vishnu Kant Shastri. Reflecting Islamic principles of equality, Iftar allows anyone to sit and eat together, echoing poet Iqbal's lines on unity.
Despite this ideal, official status often overrides basic etiquettes, with separate tables for dignitaries like governors and chief ministers. Critics note tokenism in large, elitist Iftar parties, yet many Muslims view these gestures as significant affirmations of Indian secularism. This tradition, born from a local political need, now stands as a testament to India's cultural synthesis and global influence.
