Asif Farooqi, Aalia Farzan, and Deena Easa discuss the impact of conflict, natural disasters, and Covid-19 on Ramadan. Topics include Ramadan cricket, marriage during the Holy Month, and popular TV shows. The podcast showcases diverse Ramadan traditions, cultural significance of foods, reporting challenges in Gaza, and heartwarming family visits during Eid celebrations.
Ramadan traditions vary across countries, showcasing cultural diversity in fasting practices and festive celebrations.
BBC journalists cover stories on conflict, natural disasters, and economic crises impacting communities during Ramadan celebrations.
Deep dives
The Fifth Floor: Reporting and Stories
On the podcast episode, journalists from BBC's international services discuss their work on various stories. The episode showcases discussions about topics like a Pakistani dish called Briani and an aerial attack by drones in Myanmar. The podcast provides insights into the daily editorial meetings and the diverse stories covered by BBC journalists from different regions.
Ramadan Traditions and Memories
The podcast delves into Ramadan traditions and personal memories of Ramadan from different countries. Colleagues from Egypt, Afghanistan, and Pakistan share their experiences, such as the festive mood, family gatherings, and special foods eaten during Suhoor and Iftar. The discussion includes distinct cultural practices related to Ramadan feasts, fasting hours, and traditions like drum beating and charity.
Challenges in Gaza and South Asia
The episode touches on the cost of living crisis in Afghanistan and Pakistan after political changes and economic difficulties. BBC journalists share stories of the impact on families, especially women, in terms of food scarcity, poverty, and challenges to provide for their households during Ramadan. The conversation highlights the struggle for survival, communal support, and efforts to celebrate Eid amidst economic hardships and rising food prices.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It’s a period of prayer, celebrations and community gatherings and Muslims worldwide observe it by fasting from dawn to sunset. As this year’s Ramadan draws to a close, Faranak Amidi is joined by three BBC World Service colleagues who share their personal experiences and the stories that made headlines in their countries during this year’s celebrations.
Asif Farooqi, Aalia Farzan and Deena Easa have been looking at how conflict, natural disasters and the cost-of-living crisis are impacting people in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Gaza. Plus... Ramadan cricket, why do people want to get married during the Holy Month, and the TV series that everyone’s talking about.