long fast at the annual Iftar event organized by an Indian social organization at Al-Hair in Riyadh, Friday. – Coutesy photo Saudi Gazette RIYADH – Over 3,000 Indian workers, mostly bachelors, attended an Iftar event here, Friday organized by a Riyadh-based social organization India Fraternity Forum (IFF). A number of prominent Indian expatriates contributed to make the event possible. Some leading Saudi companies donated juice, laban and bottled drinking water for the occasion. In order to accommodate the large gathering of people that included families of Indian workers, the Iftar event was held at an Istiraha (rest house) located in Al-Hair, some 20 kilometers from Riyadh. Kabeer Palakad, Iftar party convener, said the office-bearers of his social organization volunteered the transport for those that could not make it to the venue in Al-Hair. He said people were picked up from far-off districts such as Batha and New Industrial City. Mini buses and small cars were also arranged. He said about 750 chicken and 360 kilograms of rice were used to prepare biryani, a popular Indian dish. “Preparing food on time for 3,000 people was a big challenge for the volunteers,” said Palakad. However, people dedicated their time and energy for this noble cause by cooking at the Istarah's kitchen and serving hot food to the gathering, he said. “All praise be to Allah, we did everything as per schedule,” Kabeer said. Some prominent members of the Indian community delivered speeches on the occasion highlighting the significance of holy month of Ramadan. The speeches were made in various Indian state languages including Kannad, Tamil, Malayalam and Urdu. __
