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| Sunset in Kosti |
Ramadan started last
Friday which means a coming month of fasting for the Muslim population here in
Sudan. Besides the religious meaning of Ramadan there is also the inevitable
practical change of daily routine; food and drinks are only taken before sunrise and after sunset. This fasting ritual
is embedded in the whole Sudanese society and most restaurants, shops and
offices have therefore adapted their working hours. Frank noticed that life in
Kosti is somehow standing still during the day: people are taking their rest
and seem to be slightly withdrawn. But,..as soon as the sun has set, life starts again. People go shopping and meet and chat with other people on the street. The typical communal breakfast after sunset seems to be
unique here in Sudan; after the Imam has given the sign, people gather together and have 'breakfast' outside on the
streets. Everyone who passes by is invited to come and join in. Apparently
sometimes people from village communities put rocks on the roads to make sure that people
who are passing by, will definitely stop and have some of their food. It's
clear that even in this changing daily rhythm, the Sudanese hospitality knows
no borders!
