Ramadhan and Syawal

Ramadhan left without any fanfare and soon Syawal will be gone too. Many of us knew the predominant practice in Ramadan is fasting from dawn to sunset. Actually there are more to it. During this month Muslims also engage in increased prayer and charity. It is also a month where Muslims try to practice increased self-discipline.  

But many will also look at the end of the month of Ramadhan which is Syawal when Eidul fitri is being celebrated marking the end of the fasting month. Feasting and visiting throughout the month is not uncommon and often there will be a gathering of family members.

night out at Geylang after breaking of fast

Iftar with siblings

Iftar with former colleague

feasting on the day of Eidul Fitri

celebrating with the in-laws

visiting

At Didi's house

NDP 2014

Watching the NDP celebration on TV brought back old memories. While in the SPF Band, I participated in the parade every year from 1978 to 2010 except in 1991 when the Band was in Edinburgh for the tattoo.

Remembered how we had the weekly rehearsal at East Coast Parkway in the 70s than later moved to the Seletar Air Base etc. Even the actual event was held in various places throughout the years - the Padang, the National Stadium and the floating platform at the Marina. It was an event that many of us who participated love and hate. Love because this is the time we could meet friends from the other agencies…. hate because of the weekly week end rehearsals which starts as early as March. Now, those days are gone what’s left is just fond memories.

 

watching the parade on TV at Didi's house