KUWAIT: The International Friends Club put together a cultural and social presentation and a “Graish” potluck for its new members, for the occasion of the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. The event was held in the “Yown Al Bahhar” heritage village. In addition to new and existing club members, the event was attended by Sheikha Hanaa Bader Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Sheikha Hala Bader Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and also the ambassadors of Sierra Leone, Kenya and Lesotho respectively Haja Ishata Thomas; Halima A Mohamud; and Manthabiseng Phohleli; as well as spouses of ambassadors and diplomats.

The presentation introduced new club members and diplomats to some of the Kuwaiti social traditions and customs associated with celebrating Ramadan, including the pre-Ramadan Kuwaiti tradition of celebrating “Al Graish”. The club’s advisor Narjes Alshatti, also explained the historical context of these Kuwaiti Ramadan traditions, the role of various members of society in contributing to them, and how these customs evolved over the years.

She also talked about the most popular Kuwaiti dishes that are particular to the month of Ramadan and how these dishes are prepared. After that, fellow members who came dressed in their respective countries’ traditional costume, shared how Ramadan is celebrated in their countries and some of the Ramadan traditions that are particular to each country. The members also shared dishes from their countries for the potluck. A contest was then held among the members to choose best costume and best dish.

This was followed by a musical and dance presentation by the Kenyan community, which was arranged by the ambassador of Kenya. At the culmination of the event, the club’s President Taiba wife of the Ambassador of Benin thanked the event’s participants for making this a special evening for all, as well as the management of the Yowm Al Bahhar village for hosting this event, and the assistance they offered to make this event a success.