KANGAR: As the dusk creeps closer during this fasting month, a 71-year-old M. Vanitha clad in a Punjabi suit will be seen busy plucking curry leaves and preparing a meal for breaking fast.
Not for herself of course, as she is not a Muslim.
In fact, the thosai (thin crisp pancake made from fermented batter originating from South India) and the daal curry she lovingly prepared were all for her 10-year-old grandson Afeef Faeq Khan Affendi Rajini Kanth.
“Hot thosai should only be made five minutes before the time to break the fast to retain its delicious taste.
“Although it is tiring having to make the thosai one at a time on the gas stove, I’m sure it is not as tiring as having to fast throughout the day like Afeef,” she said loudly, teasing her grandson who was resting in the living room.
Vanitha, who is more affectionately called ‘Atta’ (grandmother), said she found pleasure in preparing the thosai as her grandson, who is a Muslim of Malay-Indian blood, loved to eat it, especially when sprinkled with sugar.
She said the diversity of faith in the family was no obstacle for her to prepare the breaking-fast meals especially when her grandson is around.
“I rarely cook for myself anymore. But, for my grandson, I would be happy to do it and would even feed him with my own hand,” said the woman. - Bernama
