The Express Tribune hi five - March 16

Ms MARCH 16, 2014

ISSUE NO. 91

Picture Perfect

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Celebrating Navroze

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inside mother superior — Spring is in!

domestic goddess —

A Thai delicacy

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Section In-Charge: Sarah Munir Sub-Editor: Amna Hashmi

The talented Omar Jamil

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Ms

the buzz

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MARCH 16, 2014

by Teenaz Javat

Ms T takes a look at Navroze celebrations in Canada and the many aspects of the famous Navroze table For most people across the world, March 20th signifies little more than early morning rush hours, household chores and office deadlines to meet. They go about their business as per usual which — if you are in this veritable freezer known as Canada — probably includes a whole lot of snow shovelling before you can head out for the day. But for many Zoroastrians, Agha Khanis, Parsis, Ismailies, Shi’ites and generally, people sick of the snow, March 20th heralds the first day of spring after a long, arduous winter — a day of celebration, feasting and revelry. This marks the beginning of the Persian New Year, as suggested by the name Navroze which literally means ‘New day’. Followers from the world over come together at the exact moment of the spring equinox, when the Sun crosses the celestial equator and equalises day and night, ‘officially’ changing the winter into spring.

According to Iranian-Canadian blogger Mayram Nabavinejad, “Navroze is celebrated by millions across Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan — pretty much the entire area that was once the Persian empire.”

Although the post-1979 Iranian regime and the Shah of Iran tried to put a lid on the holiday, neither succeeded. It is now the most-celebrated national holiday in the country, spanning a total of 13 days during which many locals travel to the city of Shiraz to partake in celebrations. “Iranians look upon Navroze as a cultural heritage rather than a religious one,” adds Mayram. “It is sort of

The typical haft-seen includes seven items (the haft) which correspond to the seven holy deities protecting them (the seen), each of which hold their own significance like Eid, only secular. Navroze is all about rejuvenation and fun.”

If you are familiar with Canadian weather, you can gauge the level of excitement that surrounds the holiday. People fly in (or out) to observe Navroze with their families, children begin planning how they will spend the Eidi they receive and women confine themselves to the kitchen, preparing extensive feasts for the big dinner parties they are hosting at night. Much like them, my Indian-Canadian friend Nergish Kotwal and I head to Toronto’s iconic Persian grocery store, Super Khorak, to shop for goodies. The store becomes a fish market during the two weeks leading up to Navroze: people could very well visit a regular grocery store near their homes but instead hitch-hike to Super Khorak for this holiday.

As we load our shopping carts with pomegranates, watermelons, nuts and tokmeh morgh (painted eggs) etc, Nergish shares stories of Navroze at home. “I have been in Canada for 45 years now and I can’t recall a time when I haven’t celebrated Navroze with my family,” she says. “I love this time of the year. It is a new year; a new beginning. One can just feel the joy in the air. It is so much fun decorating the Navroze able. I take immense pride in mine. The haft-seen must look immaculate!”

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THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MARCH 16, 2014

The elements of the Haft-Seen • • • • • •

Sabzeh: Wheat sprouts that represent birth Sib: An apple for health and beauty Senjed: Sweet dry-fruit representing love Seer: Garlic for its medicinal qualities Serkeh: Vinegar symbolic of age, patience and wisdom Somaq: Berry powder representing sunrise and new beginnings • Sikka: A metal coin for prosperity

The haft-seen is a symbolic illustration of Navroze wherein a decorative table is set up in every home. The typical haft-seen includes seven items (the haft) which correspond to the seven holy deities protecting them (the seen), each of which hold their own significance. For instance, a metal coin is represents prosperity while the garlic cloves are thought to bring health. Some modern observers also include fish to symbolise life, tokmeh morgh for fertility, candles for enlightenment, shirini (sweet meat) for sweetness, books of poetry for prayer and lastly, a large mirror to encourage self-reflection.

Many people strive to make their tables as beautiful as possible for it is a reflection of their good taste as well. A candle is lit for every person living in the home and visitors are requested to look at themselves in the mirror while the hosts sprinkle rose water to anoint them as they come. For centuries, observers have to be gathered at the haft-seen at the exact moment of the spring equinox — 12:57 pm, Canadian time this year — to celebrate.

For Karachi’s Mehereen Bhaijiwala, this year will be her first Navroze in Canada, away from friends and family. “Actually, it will be the first time I said up a haft-seen too,” she confesses. “Growing up in a Parsi household in Karachi was different as we took a lot of our celebrations for granted. My parents didn’t set the haft-seen but encouraged us to enjoy the festivities at our neighbour’s place. It is only after I moved to Canada and my son Mikail was born that I realised that I must recreate these customs in my home to help him

Navroze is celebrated by millions across Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan — pretty much the entire area that was once the Persian empire

Timings for Navroze 2014 Karachi, Pakistan: 9:57 pm Toronto, Canada: 12:57 Pm Dubai, United Arab Emirates: 8 :57 pm London, United Kingdom: 4:57 pm Melbourne, Australia: 3:57 am (March 21)

understand his roots.” In order to do this, Mehereen decided to plant beans in their garden to fulfil one of the customary elements of the haft-seen, the Sabzeh i.e. home-grown sprouts. “It is such a wonderful learning experience for Mikail. He gets really excited when he sees the beans sprouting. Soon, my haft-seen will be ready and for the first time, it will feel like Navroze in my new home.”

Navroze is all the more significant for it relates to family and ancestry. In some parts of the world, such as Iran, the holiday is observed between the 1st and 13th of the month of Farvardin which literally translates to ‘spirits of the dead.’ This is testament that many observers believe that the spirits of their deceased loved ones descend down to Earth during the last 10 days of the year. One of the most common traditions of Navroze involves families coming together and paying visits to the elderly and sharing delicacies like pastries, rice-cakes and spring fruits. Some, like Mayram travel to across the country to be with family. “This year, I am flying to Vancouver to spend Navroze with my sister and her family,” she shares.

“Two years back, we went home to Esfahan to be with my parents and extended relatives. That’s what Navroze is all about: sharing Persian traditions with my loved ones.”

There is something for everyone during Navroze, even those who live in Canada by themselves away from close ones. Every year, the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario, for instance, organizes Bazaar-eNauroozi a few weeks prior to Navroze where one can find everything and more that they might require for their haft-seen. Some community members also put up haft-seen displays at the community centre for viewers to admire and steal ideas from.

Waking up early on March 20th, putting on fancy new cloths bought specifically for the occasion, exchanging Eidi, rushing to be by the haft-seen for the moment of the equinox and counting down the seconds to the new year with your loved ones has a charm that can’t be matched by anything else. It may just be another day in the year but for those of us who follow Persian traditions, Navroze is a time to appreciate our culture, friends and family; to reflect on our past and transition into the future hoping for a prosperous year ahead. So Happy Navroze, everyone! May your year be filled with health, love and happiness.

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Ms

en vogue

Maria B ushers in the spring season with exquisite florals and pastel shades to keep you looking fabulous this year

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MARCH 16, 2014

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THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MARCH 16, 2014

Designer: MARIA B Brand: Mbroidered Models: Juggun Kazim and Fouzia Aman Hair & Makeup: Mariam’s Salon Photography: Muhammad Azam

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Ms

mother superior

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MARCH 16, 2014

The weather is warming up, the flowers are blooming and the trees are turning green. It is a time to rejoice before the hot summer months take over and leave us confined to our air-conditioned rooms.

So put away your winter attire and prepare to get messy with your children. Here are some spring activities to not only have fun with the tiny tots but also give them some much need outdoor exercise

This idea not only keeps children occupied for hours but the different colours are also fascinating and fun to play with.

You will need: • An empty plastic water bottle • Tape or a rubber band • A sock • Dish soap • Food colouring How to: Cut off the bottom of the empty bottle and pull a sock over it. Secure it with tape or rubber bands. Next, prepare a mixture of dish soap, water and food colouring. Dip the sock in the mixture and gently blow out. The result: fantastic, colourful soap bubbles everywhere!

Caution: Please ensure that your children are blowing outward lest they swallow the dish soap mixture.

by Mashal Abbasi

You will need: • Sufficient water supply • Balloons • Water guns, buckets and any other water toys

Want to teach your children something useful this spring? Introduce them to nature by planting a small plant in your garden and tending to it with your child. This will not only give them a sense of responsibility but watching the plant grow gradually will also teach them patience and inculcate a love for nature.

How to: A water fight is the perfect answer to a particularly hot day. Invite your children and their friends into the garden and convert it into a mini water park with water balloons, guns, buckets and plastic kiddie pools.

You will need: • A pot • Soil • Water • Seeds • Sunlight

Some spring days are hotter than others. On these days, it is best to go out and beat the heat with some serious water fun.

Who said children don’t need to exercise?

You will need: • Joggers for yourself and your child • Trampolines, skipping ropes, balls or racquets (depending on the sport) and water How to: Nature walks, backyard exercise and even kiddie games like tag can provide much-needed physical activity for children, especially in today’s world where most of them are too tied down by TV and video games to go outside. Invest in some sporting goods like balls and racquets and encourage them to play. Who knows, you might just have a rising sports star in the making!

How to: Take your child to a local nursery and allow them to pick out their favourite one. Once they have made a selection, purchase the seeds for it and plant away! You can do this in a tiny pot indoors or in the garden outside — it doesn’t matter so long as your child is helping you monitor the plant as well. If you have more than one child, turn this activity into a competition, offering a treat to the best gardener or the biggest plant.

domestic goddess 7

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MARCH 16, 2014

Recipe

Thai Massaman Meat Curry Massaman curry contains all the goodness of meat, potatoes and nuts, slow-cooked together to make a fine and fragrant Thai dish that will leave you yearning for more.

Seemi Aamir is a part-time teacher and mother of three who spends much of her free time trying out new recipes and creating her own

Method • Cook the chicken/beef stock in a large pot over high heat.

• Add the meat, onions, bay leaves and lemon zest and bring to boil. Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally until the meat is tender.

• One by one, add all the ingredients of the curry sauce in, stirring throughout. Save a few spoons of coconut milk for garnishing at the end if you wish.

• Add the potatoes and bring the curry to a boil. Simmer it for 30 minutes until the potatoes are cooked through.

• Taste the curry every now and then. Add more fish sauce for saltiness or more red chilli paste for spice. If it tastes too sour, use more brown sugar to add sweetness and if too sweet, pour in more lemon zest. You can also add more coconut milk if the curry gets too spicy.

• Cook the curry on high heat for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken and reduce.

• Add a drizzle of coconut milk and fresh coriander for garnishing and serve with boiled rice and a lemon wedge. Your curry is now ready!

Ingredients:

Ginger (grated) 1

Garlic cloves 4—5

Red chilli flakes 1 tsp

Ingredients: Peanuts or cashew Coriander (ground) 1 tsp nuts (chopped) ¼ cup Meat of your choice Chicken or beef (cut in cubes on stock 2 and 1/2 cup strips) 1 — 2 lbs

Onion (diced) 1/3 cup

Bay leaves 3

White pepper ½ tsp

Potatoes (in chunks) 1 — 2

Fresh coriander or basil

Cumin seeds 1 tsp

Turmeric ½ tsp

Lemon juice 1

Lemon zest 1/2 tsp Thai red chilli sauce (for extra spice) 1 tbsp

Brown sugar 1 tbsp

Fish sauce 2 tbsp

Canned coconut milk 1 (14 oz/400 ml)

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MARCH 16, 2014

hottie of the week 8

Status Born

Single London, United Kingdom

Birthday

6th September, 1974

Face

85%

Omar Jamil

Body

80%

Who is he?

Intellectual, illustrious and successful, Omar Jamil is everything a modern man should be. There is something warm and welcoming about his cheeky grin and glasses that we cannot get enough of. Omar’s charm has opened many doors for him and few people have had as colourful a career as he has, including experience in everything from banking to journalism. This circuitous route led Omar to his true calling — public relations — and he set up his very own PR company, Latitude CRS, in 2010, aiming to revolutionise PR in Pakistan. But there is more to Omar than work: he not only writes but also sings and admits he would like to sing professionally if it hadn’t been for his work. Ladies, if you are picturing Omar serenading you with a guitar, then you aren’t the only ones — we can’t help ourselves either.

Talent

90%

Why we love him Omar not only loves meeting new people but also introducing others to things that interest him, such as music, literature, architecture and nature. He is smart and professional, with an in-depth knowledge of everything under the sun, from technology to politics to marketing and of course, the media.

Beneath the calm, cool and collected exterior lies an artist and a dreamer who loves to experience the different things the world has to offer and draw inspiration from them. Omar confesses that he has always dreamt of just dropping everything else, grab a backpack and travel the world.

His favourite travel destinations are crystal-clear beaches with lots of sunshine. He hates liars and values love and friendship over everything else.

What you didn’t know about him Omar would love to write a great novel someday but hasn’t met the right muse to help him go ahead with it.

His favourite cuisine is far-eastern, pan-Asian food.

Ladies, take note: An intelligent, independent and ambitious woman who can make him laugh is what Omar is looking for. So if that sounds like you, we suggest you make a go for it before someone else does. Who knows, you might just inspire that great novel out of him?

Total Package

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