Malinichhara, Sylhet's historic tea garden, is not as busy now as at other times of year. In the holy month of Ramadan the garden's daily rhythm seems to slow. The workload is lighter, and many workers and staff can say their prayers on time and break the fast with their families.
Mofazzal Hossain, a permanent staff member, has worked at the garden as an electrician for about 20 years. "There isn't much pressure of work in Ramadan," he said. "With no rain, production in the garden is low too. So when it is time for prayers, they can easily come during breaks in work."
Working hours and iftar
Badsha Mia, the son of a worker's family, said there are about 40 to 50 Muslim families in the garden. Workers go to work at about 9am and finish at 2pm or 3pm and return home, which lets them enjoy iftar with their families.
Another staff member said it is currently the off season. Staff come to work at about 8am, and the day's work ends after the Asr prayer. In the season they have to go back to work even after iftar, but that is not needed now, and most staff break the fast at home.
The muezzin of Malinichhara Jame Mosque said there are now about 60 to 70 Muslim families in the garden. A communal iftar is held at the mosque throughout Ramadan. Garden staff take turns to host the iftar for two days each, so that about 15 staff members run it over the whole month.
He added that attendance at the mosque is relatively high for the Maghrib and Asr prayers. At tarawih there are usually two rows of worshippers, because the number of Muslim families in the garden is relatively small.
From three families to a neighbourhood
Residents said there were once only three Muslim families here; the number has now grown to more than forty. So one part of the garden is now known as "Muslim Para". Some Muslim families also live in another nearby area, known locally as "Nayapara".
Ramadan therefore brings a different atmosphere to Malinichhara tea garden: worship between work, and the joy of breaking the fast together in the evening at home or at the mosque.
Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.
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