Chand Raat, the night of the crescent moon, signals the close of Ramadan, and in Karachi, it ushers in a flurry of activity as residents flock to renowned sweet shops, continuing the time-honored tradition of celebrating Mithi Eid. This festive occasion, also known as Eid Al-Fitr, is marked by a profusion of desserts, with mithai—the local term for sweetmeats—taking center stage alongside sheer khurma and kheer gracing tables across the city.
Zubair-ud-Din, a enthusiastic customer amidst the bustling crowds, shared his sentiments with Arab News: “Mithai is integral to Eid; without it, the celebration feels incomplete.” He patiently waited in line at a downtown Karachi sweets shop, eager to purchase cham-cham, a popular choice during these festivities. “It’s a must to bring mithai when visiting friends and family,” he added, emphasizing the necessity of this sweet tradition.
The sweet tooth of Karachi knows no bounds, especially with shops like Bhashani Sweets, whose owner, Asif Bhashani, traces his roots back to Bangladesh in 1971. The family brought their delicious recipes to Pakistan, and now, their shop is synonymous with Eid Al-Fitr celebrations. “Mithai reigns supreme during this festive season,” shared Bhashani, “not just in Pakistan but worldwide. It’s a tradition as old as time.” Their sweets, especially cham-cham, are sought after by locals who send them to loved ones near and far—from the United Arab Emirates to Canada.
As Ramadan progresses towards its conclusion, sweet shops like Bhashani Sweets, Dilpasand, and Rehmat-e-Shireen experience a surge in demand, with eager customers queuing up to buy treats not just for themselves but also as gifts for friends and colleagues. Arsala Khan, a customer who purchased an impressive five kilograms of cham-cham and gulab jaman, among other delights, shared his thoughts: “When presenting the best to our guests, we opt for the finest sweets from the top shops.” He proudly described his festive spread, complete with rice pudding, sheer khurma, and homemade carrot halwa—a true testament to the sweetness of Eid.
Rehmat-e-Shireen, situated on the popular Tariq Road, sees a significant spike in sales during this season, as Asif Nadeem, a representative, proudly stated: “Our commitment to quality sets us apart, making us the preferred choice for many.” Khan echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that mithai is essential for hosting guests and spreading joy on this happy occasion.
Indeed, Karachi’s Eid Al-Fitr celebrations are made all the sweeter with the abundance of mithai, a delightful tradition that brings people together in celebration and unity.