Dal Lake to witness Asia’s longest Iftaar

Bismah Malik

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 5

Kashmir will host Asia’s longest Iftaar party spread over a 1.6-km stretch on the banks of the Dal Lake on July 11. Around 3,000 persons, including at least 1,000 orphan children, from the Valley are likely to break their fast at the venue on July 11 evening.

At present, Sharjah (United Arab Emirates) holds the record of organising the Asia’s longest Iftaar party on a 1.3-km stretch.

“We plan to lay Kashmiri carpets on the 1.6-km stretch for the grand event. The guests will be served dates, traditional flavoured milk and biryani, besides other delicacies to break their fast,” said Ahmer Khan, chief executive officer of LoudBeetle, an event management firm which is organising the event.

Khan said their firm had invited the Limca Book of Records authorities to witness the event. LoudBeetle chief officiating officer Samiullah said the aim was to bring marginalised sections of society into the mainstream. The organisers had sent an invite to Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed as well, Samiullah added.

“We seek cooperation of the state government, civil society and NGOs in making the event a success. Though we will not raise any funds through this event, we wish to create awareness about the plight of orphans in Kashmir through this effort,” he said.

He said Islam emphasised helping the orphans and needy and there could be no better time than Ramzan to make such an effort.