HUMAN INTEREST

Lovely Akhtar, walking to her home

(picture credit: Nafisa Zaki)

A small little dream

Short, thin with attractive features perfectly describe a Bangladeshi maid named Lovely Akhtar. With her shining eyes which hold lots of dreams she welcomed me with a perfect smile on her face to peek into her reality.

Being a Muslim and belonging to a conservative background. At first, she was a bit hesitant about talking about her life but as we began talking she felt at ease to let her heart out. Lovely Akhtar had come to Dubai about 2 years ago, with a desire to fulfil all the dreams that she and her family shared.

I saw tears trickling down her face when she said "I had come to Dubai as I have a very large and poor family to support back home. We are five sisters with no brother and our father is too old to support us."

Lovely tells me that they do not own a house in their country. Her entire family stays in a small cottage which is not very comfortable for all of them. She had saved money with lots of difficulty just to come to Dubai. Now her aim is to build a comfortable house for her family and save enough money to go back home and get her younger sister married.

picture credit: Nafisa Zaki

"I have to build a house and organize two weddings, but both of these are a very costly deal and I don’t even have a proper work."

Lovely just works for 2 hours as a house maid for which she earns AED 400. But the entire amount is spent in the house rent and food. A very little of about AED 50 is save per month to send home which is not enough according to her.

Talking about her living conditions she said "I share my room with 5 more girls. Our room is very small and has three beds; two of us share a bed each. This gives us a very little space to move around. It’s a very old house and looks like it would break any minute. But there is no better option than this because most of the house rents are sky rocketing."

picture credit: Nafisa Zaki

Even while she was talking about her cruel present that she was living. She had a biog smile on her face when she talked about her desire to get married. "I have to marry soon now, when I collect enough money I will go back home and meet the guy my mother has seen and get married to him. My sister says he looks very good. That is why I want to go home as soon as I can."

Looking at her smile I could sense the excitement building up inside her that told me how much she wants to see the guy. But the worst part is that she cannot go until she has enough money to build up a home especially when she doesn't have a proper job.

"It hurts when I realize I cannot go home soon and I cannot afford to go even for a month, I miss everything about home, the sweets and the special dishes that my mother cooks, my sisters, my nephews and all the fun we used to have, I would like to go home as soon as I can." She says.

At the end of the day she is always left alone dreaming about the unknown guy and her family but she shares all her miseries with her best friend Ayesha. While talking to me she lets out a very important point. "I cannot call home often because I have no money and no job but my mother does not understand this. She thinks everyone in Dubai has a job. She asks me whether I have a boyfriend and am roaming around with him because I do not send her enough money too."

Apart from everything that she has to go through. It is her mother's suspicion on her which irritates her. But apart from everything she has good views about her experience in Dubai "In Dubai I have a good time with my friend, we go out to the market together and talk a lot about things. She makes my stay in here worthwhile and not all that lonely."

As I part from her she has the same smile on her face but deep inside only I know what she is facing in reality.

Lovely Akhtar walking away.

picture credit: Nafisa Zaki

HABITS

Being swept by the media!!

Walking pass any electronic shop, ever noticed what grabs our attention? It’s the television sets kept for display. Television, which has now become a traditional media making way for the new media comprising of the internet and the mobile generation is still the most influential amongst the people.

Even though, the internet has qualified to become the most widely used media and has swept the world with its ability to let its audiences perform tasks that were once considered to be impossible. Still television and cinema has not lost its charms and continue to be one of the popular medium for the teenagers.

"I spend at least 4-5 hours using the internet. But in those four hours at least two hours I use to download and watch television shows and movies." says Amrita a college student.

Cinemas and televisions bring to life various desirable characters and stories on one platform. It has also diverged into various genres that would suit the mood of its audiences like the romantic, comedies, dramas, thriller etc.

Therefore, they are very popular amongst the teenage group as it gives them a chance to experience a feeling which in reality they couldn’t and give them a situation to relate to. It combines sounds and lights and hence become the most influential medium of all times. This influence could be positive or negative, big or small, short term or long term. But no body can claim to have not been influenced by this medium.

Devang brhambhatt, a college student.

picture credit: Nafisa Zaki

"I used to wear my wrist watch in the left hand. But since when I have seen both Shahid Kapoor and Hrithik Roshan, the popular movie stars of bollywood, wearing it in the right hand, I too have changed my placement." Says Devang Brahmbhatt, a 17 year old student.

Kiran Suresh, a collge student

picture credit: Nafisa Zaki

Many claim to have changes their hairstyles and their dressing styles to prove their loyalty towards their favourite stars. "I had copied Madhuri Dixit's, the bollywood actress dressing style after the bollywood movie Hum Aapke Hain Kaun and was so proud to do It." says Kiran Suresh, an 18 year old college student.

"After Dostana I have changed my hair style and made it just like John Abraham, the bollywood actor did in the movie." says Surendra Kumar.

Surendra Kumar, college student

picture credit: Nafisa Zaki

Apart from these small acts of craziness that the teenagers do, the television has serious impacts on them too. It makes them compare themselves to the stars and realize they can not be the same making it a very unhealthy situation for the parents and also for the teenagers themselves.

"When my child realized his physique was far from being socially acceptable and he was very different from what is shown on television these days. He started a harsh diet regime which was very hard for him and us too. Though, he has to take the pain of it. I was the one who felt the worst. But In the end I think it was all worth It." anonymous.

There are many such instances where the teenagers fall prey to the specific something that is portrayed on the television and cinemas, which claim to be very trendy and attractive but actually is not all that great.

It is only later on in life that people realize their mistakes and wish they would not do what they started doing when they were in their youth.

Though, there is nothing wrong in being appalled by any of the media but being so dependent on it that we start thinking 'this is what life comprises of' is wrong and the teenagers should learn to make a clear distinction between the reel and the real so that they restrict doing things that would haunt them in their future.

SOCIAL

Recycling: A myth or reality!

If you ever get a chance to pass by a dustbin, one look at it and you could estimate the amount of empty tins, cartons, plastics, newspapers, bottles that are disposed off. To the normal public this might be nothing but ask an environmentalist and you will be lectured about the advantages of recycling, what we may call 'junk'.

No reputed company nowadays will even think of going against the saying of the environmentalist as they know the effect that would have on their business. It’s a common understanding that reputed companies should be aware of their social responsibilities. This could be in terms of charity, employment or recycling for that matter.

"We have a strict recycling policy in place, all the used papers are to go in the recycling bin that is put in the company, and no rough paper has to be seen in the dustbin, though we do not have a recycling bin to put bottles and cans but we are not allowed to use any plastic items. The plastic glasses, plates and spoons are altered by melamine plates, spoons and pure glasses so that it could be used on a daily basis." says Mrs. Sangeeta, an accountant in Emirates Speciality Company.

It is important for companies to have recycling policies in place and to follow it adamantly but what about the small little shops that the normal public deal with on the daily basis. Like groceries, laundries, tailor shops or others that are situated in the residential areas. When questioned about recycling half of them do not even know what it means or about its advantages. But if we go deeper into their business we realize that even though they are unaware of the term they still do their bit based on ethics and morality.

"Sometimes some customers, gives us clothes for stitching but do not come to collect them back then we give away these clothes to the needy when they come to ask for it as the clothes are new and its not right to throw them away. This way we earn respect from the public and also feel inner satisfaction" says Jamal Ahmed who is the tailor and the Manager of Hussain bin Yaqub tailoring.

It's not only charity that is followed but a lot more people recycle when it comes to certain other stuff like plastic bags, cartons, clothes etc.
"We use oil maximum of two times if we feel it is not spoilt" says Mr. Hyder.K.P, Manager of Muneera cafeteria. "We cannot reuse much, but then we use plastic bags in the dustbins and reuse the used paper when we have any office work for our own records, and also reuse files whose documents are of no more use." says Mr. Anub Abdullah, sales person of a typing shop.

Similarly, to my surprise many people were aware of the recycling bins that are put on the bus stops where papers, tins and other items are disposed off separately. Most of the people use it when they pass through it and many go especially just to dispose off their items. "I often use the recycling bins, and also give away cartons to anyone who needs them while going to their home country as its feasible and convenient for them." says Mr. Junaid Abu Baker, Delivery man in a grocery.

Recycling is just not a myth but an activity people do quiet often though subconsciously. But it is an act of morality for some while it is duty for the others. But even though recycling is followed still efforts should be made by the government to promote it more and spread literacy amongst these small shops. Their effort of having recycle bins on every bus stop is a good one and has not gone waste. But further measures should be taken to make the world a much better place to live in and to let our future generation lead their life in a better environment.

IMAGES

A powerful image put up on the street

picture credit: Nafisa Zaki

THE POWER OF IMAGES

If you have ever been in a tense exam room, you could notice students not being in the right state of their minds. A look at their faces makes you laugh, their expression changes in seconds sometimes their faces are enlighten and the other second they have a rotten expression. But have you ever noticed how they ease themselves up?

A look at the images of their deities makes them feel better and ease out their emotions bringing them back to the right frame of the minds.

"During boards I had always kept a picture of Lord Krishna, Whenever I thought I have forgotten an answer, A look at it reminded me the answer, from then onwards am a firm believer of Lord Krishna." says Keshvi, a graduate student. But is this really possible? Would an image have so much power that it would remind us of an answer? Or is it just the dependence of humans on images.

A street advertisement.
picture credit: Nafisa Zaki

Everywhere you see, you could find images, Televisions, Newspapers, Movies, Streets and our homes are filled with it. There is no place you would not find them. If you enter a world without images, there would be a feeling of vacuum and seclusion that would fill up in you. "I can not imagine a world without ads, signs or symbols and also without paintings. That would be so funny!" says Talisa Fernandes, a College student.

An image of food.

picture credit: Nafisa Zaki

Advertisements are the most influential of all the images. They bring out the perfect emotions and force the minds to think in a certain way. There is no one these days who can pride them not being duped by the ads. There must have been instances when you must have at least gone till the outlet to check out the product being advertised. "There have been so many instances when I have tried a shake, or pizza flavour, or a particular dish which taste nothing more than pathetic." says Sonia, an air hostess trainee.

Image bringing out the feeling of peace.

picture credit: Nafisa Zaki

Advertising cannot be blamed to be bad always; it has led us to the right too. For example all those public service ads, have a proper meaning in it. And the images used in those sometimes maybe crude but still efficient. On the other hand, photographs propagate various emotions in us. That could be of patriotism, loneliness or togetherness.

Image of the prominent leaders.

picture credit: Nafisa Zaki

For example, an image of soldiers or leaders of a particular country would bring out the feeling of pride or patriotism amongst the people of that country, the image of a woman clad in a white saree would bring out the feeling of loneliness, a happy couple would show happiness, an image of landscape would bring out the feeling of tranquillity and those of our deities would bring peace in our inner self. It has been a truth of all times that certain sentiments are wired into some pictures. A look at old pictures brings out the same sentiments back. "I keep a picture book of my life, whatever I have done, a picture of my friends, family, picnics etc. so that whenever I want to relive my past I just have to look at it."

However developed our mindsets and world might become but what would not change is our dependence on images.

CULTURE

The exotic culture

Located in south Asia and reflecting a society with diverse cultural influence and traditions, invaded by Spain and United States. Philippine today is expected to have a very modern outlook to life. But as you enter a Philippine house, you see people who still catch on to traditions and believe in the traditional family values with patriarchal system and economic dependency being the backbone.

"For me, the main characteristic of being a Filipino are the strong family ties that keep the family together and also being hospitable" says Mary Grace Lagson, An engineer.

In a conventional Filipino family, the father is the 'head' and the mother is the 'light', the manager of the house. Due to the closeness of the family, the grandparents live with the family as long as they will and close relationships are maintained up till the third cousins.

Another very important value in Filipino culture is the respect for the adults. The parents have to be the most respected and hence the children have to talk and behave accordingly. "It is a moral rule for the children to behave well, the words like 'po' and 'opo' denotes respect for the elderly." says Edi Lisa, an accountant.

Ms Sheila, an import/export manager.

The most attractive feature of the Filipino culture is the institution of marriage. "It is the most fun thing to experience, when the couple has the first dance. The elderly and the friends pin money notes on the brides dress expressing happiness and good wishes." says Shiela, an import/export manager.

Mostly the bride wears a white gown and the marriage is a deal of two days comprising the main function and the reception. The man and the woman are not supposed to marry before being economically stable. With the average age for the girls to marry being 20-25 and for the boy 25-30. "Being a working mother, I have no problem as the idea of working mother is long accepted by the Filipinos and does not create a problem" says Cherry an accountant clerk.

Ms. Cherry, an accountant clerk

The main functions of a Filipino culture are religious fest, Simbang gabi, which is about attending early morning mass every December. And araw ng mga party which is about remembering the departed ones and offering candles and prayers to the same on every first week of November.

While religious fest, a very interesting custom is followed in which the guests are entertained by playing a game called 'palosebo' wherein a person has to climb a pole which is coated with oil. The most important attribute of simbang gabi is attending early morning masses and cooking foods like bibingka and puto bongbong.

Another very important function for a Filipino is the Christmas. Filipinos are proud to proclaim their Christmas celebrations to be one of the longest and merriest in the world. The functions begin from the December 16, which means attending of the pre-dawn masses and continues till the first Sunday of the January. Feast of the three kings marks the official end of the season.

What makes the culture of Philippine distinct is their splendid climate of the tropical island, the abundance and beauty of its flowers, the lovely landscape and its multitude of the culinary delights and to top it all warm-hearted people with their true devotion to the family and faith.

PIRACY

The term piracy holds two main connotations to it. On one side it equates the copyright violators to the pirates who stole ships and on the flip side it stresses on freedom and liberty.

The advancement of technology has made it easier to experiment with a variety of things. While stealing of the creative material had been prevalent in the society from the start, internet has just made it easier for the normal public.

While the production companies shout out loud the inconveniences caused by piracy, and define it as stealing. The normal public doesn't want to dissolve this. As quoted "I don’t think we are a part of stealing because for me the person who has uploaded the copy might have taken it through some means I don’t know. And we are just sharing it. So I think I am a part of file sharing and not stealing." Hawa, a college student speaks out.

"I think piracy doesn't make a difference, cause anyways if I wanted to watch a movie that am not very passionate about I would just borrow the original DVD from a friend who has it. And if I really want to see a movie, there is no question about watching it home. It has to be given its due respect by only going to the theatres" Alefya Hussaini says.

Even though the production companies would like to bad mouth piracy, the facts show completely a new picture. Piracy actually acts as a promotional medium for companies and saves a large part of their revenue. As the unauthorized copy available on the internet is for free, a large number of audiences might download the movie which they would otherwise not have bothered to experiment with.

"I think it increases sales because many people actually try out the pirated copy and then buy the real one." Anonymous. For instance games lover, they actually just try out their hands on the pirated copy to check it out but for them it’s a matter of pride and honour to hold a real copy of the game. Same goes with movies, books, music etc
.
A major chunk of the audiences might not even want to experiment with a cross culture movie at a price. But when it is available for free there is no hesitation in doing the same. As a result, the popularity of the respective company increases.

This shows that piracy just does not decrease the sales of the creative copies but also increases them, but in a much more indirect manner. It dose not seem like piracy is going to stop in the years to come but nevertheless the companies should not stop from trying to curb it.

EVENTS

On the go

Gitex 2009.

picture credit: Nafisa Zaki

People carrying heavy bags and trying hard for a cab to stop or waiting for the bus to come is a common sight in Dubai which is known to be really hot and moist most of the year round.
Especially, when there are exhibitions which are expected to stay for a small period, travelling to the venue gets difficult. And if it’s Gitex, which becomes the most popular shopping getaway for a week, traffic has no boundaries.

"It has happened to me many times; I always get out of my house to go to Gitex but after some time the car does not move and its jam packed. At such times its better I just drop the idea." says Preseillia Monteath, a shopper at Gitex.

But with the onset of metros in Dubai, travelling has become a piece of cake. People who had to think ten times before stepping out of home today just have to swap their cards to reach destination in minutes. Without having to wait in long lines or sweat their guts out calling for taxis.

Especially for people who wanted to go to the much awaited Gitex, metro was like a boon. The passengers were expected to get down at the Rashidiya station from where shuttle buses were available to carry the passengers to the airport expo where Gitex took place.

MR. Aseem Suwaid working in Gitex

picture credit: Nafisa Zaki

"I live in Abu Dhabi, but because I have to work at Gitex, I have come to stay at Dubai for some days. I especially took up the job because I knew travelling would be very easy as there is metro. And I love travelling in it. It is so easy and fast. I always get out of my home at the last minute but reach on time" says Aseem Suwaid an Exhihbitor at Gitex.

Metro and gitex both being a product of the Dubai Government has not left any reason to be complained about. The management, the guides, the routes are made so easy and appropriate that people do not have to bother about not knowing where to go. Security is always ready to help you out and the process of the entire journey takes just some minutes.

MR. Adnan Ali in the shuttle buS

picture credit: Nafisa Zaki

"I have fell in love with the idea of travelling by metro, I came to Gitex twice, once I used the cab, it took me 20 minutes just to wait for the cab to come. Though I was the first in the line, still with metro it took me 20 minutes to reach gitex from my home. After today I love metro, and would like to use it every time I have to go anywhere." says Adnan Ali, a graphic designer.

There is always a rumour and the sayings like 'ohh, my god, you going for gitex, god bless you from the rush' gets common. But now, metros made it so easier that even at peak hours like 6 or 7 when the most visitors are expected, you get an empty seat both in the metro and also in the shuttle buses. As they make rounds and reach stops in just minutes.

"I don’t have to worry about metro or shuttle bus being full, as there is always an empty seat available for me. And even if there is no bus or train at the station, I just have to wait for maximum 5 minutes for it to arrive." says Olga a promoter at gitex.

MS. Ogla, working at Gitex

picture credit: Nafisa Zaki

Technology makes life easy and this is especially true in the case of the metro which has become a boon for travellers who do not have cars and hate to wait for buses or taxis. But it is the responsibility for the government and public both to help in maintaining the good quality of the metro and make it convenient for the public at large.

FEATURE STORY

The funny little things

There is no denying the fact that the expatriates in Dubai are the most confused of all as their culture has become a mix of both their origin and one existing in Dubai. People who have spent half of their lives in their home country and the later half in here strive to keep their culture alive by keeping it in practice. It is almost like they refuse to compromise the lessons that they have learned back home and change their habits even if it means much more comfort and convenience.

For them, it is the only way of having things done with the maximum efficiency and according to them using technology to have the same thing done is worthless as it cannot match the excellent result which they can achieve by themselves.

For instance, "Vacuums cannot clean the house properly and specially not the ceiling, that’s why I attach a broom to a long stick to clean the ceilings of the house. Even though long brooms are available at any store it doesn't actually satisfy me." says Mrs. Sara, a house maker.

If you have ever wondered why the airtight box isle always seems empty in a supermarket even though they are one of the most useful items for any house, then your answer is here, "Nido tins are better for storing snack items than the airtight ones because they keep the food items fresh and saves it from the external environment. That is why I and my friends always borrow tins from each other when we fall short of them." Says Mrs. Anju, a house maker.

Apart from this, there would have been many instances when you must have walked into your neighbour's house and seen their new sofa set or chair still covered in the plastic cover it came in. as it’s a general opinion that keeping the plastic cover on would not allow the new item from getting spoilt easily. It is also noticed that various expensive items that are not used on a daily basis are wrapped in cloth and saved for occasions, as it would prevent it from getting dusty.

Sometimes the house gets filled with useless items such as plastic bags, newspapers, magazines and cartons because the elders of the house just refuse to throw it. "My grandmother does not let us throw any of the plastic bags and saves them, because she thinks we are in India and she can sell them." says Aaliyah, a college student.

These are some of the small, sweet crazy things that people do in the privacy of their homes, even if we find them funny we can not deny the fact that they are actually some of the things that make a house a home and without them living would be too monotonous and serious.

ART AND CULTURE

Out of Humanity

In the midst of a buzzing street of a crowded area called Deira, where people do not have the time to think of others, stands a building where humanity is of the utmost importance. The new Kuwaiti building standing just besides the Futtaim mosque has become a boon for many of the people residing around.

While giving zakat, praying five times, being generous and courteous are some of the basic elements of Ramadan. Some people like to go a step forward by being a little extra thoughtful like Mr. Abdullah Abdul hadi, who is the owner of new Kuwaiti building and sponsors iftar for around 100-150 people everyday. While Mr. Abdullah sponsors the iftar there is someone who manages the entire meal for a large public that is the security guard of the building Mr. Shariff.

According to Mr. Shariff, Ramadan is all about purity and being generous "Ramadan is a month that has been granted by Allah to purify our souls, body and wealth." When questioned about the mass iftar and its effect on the people. Mr. Shariff had a very strong point to make "labourers and workers who reside in the most part of Deira do not have any one to cook for them nor do they have the money to buy a decent iftar meal for themselves. At such time serving of iftar is a boon for them."

A normal iftar meal consists of dates, biryani, water and a juice bottle for each and every person. The meal is catered by public cook and comes to the area right at time and is served to the public half an hour before the azan. According to the laws of Dubai there is no need for legal permissions to serve anything during iftar to the common public.
When questioned about the hygiene aspect Mr. Shariff says "Hygiene is given utmost importance, a plastic cloth is spread over on which people sit and everyday new paper cups, spoons and plates are used. After the iftar meal the area is again cleaned and made ready for the next day." Other than managing of the mass iftar Mr. Shariff has a quiet busy schedule in Ramadan. He wakes up in the morning for seheri followed by the morning prayers after which he goes about monitoring the building and again goes to the mosque for the afternoon prayers. His day ends with praying the tarawi, special Ramadan prayers and then again going back to work for sometime and finally retiring for the day.
"The schedule in Ramadan gets a bit tougher but the thought of doing well to the society and myself keeps me going."

Mr. Shariff ends up with a very strong note saying "I hope I get a chance always to serve my community as much as I can and a lot of strength to make full use of the holy month of Ramadan"

OUT OF HUMANITY

ART AND CULTURE.

In the midst of a buzzing street of a crowded area called Deira, where people do not have the time to think of others, stands a building where humanity is of the utmost importance. The new Kuwaiti building standing just besides the Futtaim mosque has become a boon for many of the people residing around.

While giving zakat, praying five times, being generous and courteous are some of the basic elements of Ramadan. Some people like to go a step forward by being a little extra thoughtful like Mr. Abdullah Abdul hadi, who is the owner of new Kuwaiti building and sponsors iftar for around 100-150 people everyday. While Mr. Abdullah sponsors the iftar there is someone who manages the entire meal for a large public that is the security guard of the building Mr. Shariff.

According to Mr. Shariff, Ramadan is all about purity and being generous "Ramadan is a month that has been granted by Allah to purify our souls, body and wealth." When questioned about the mass iftar and its effect on the people. Mr. Shariff had a very strong point to make "labourers and workers who reside in the most part of Deira do not have any one to cook for them nor do they have the money to buy a decent iftar meal for themselves. At such time serving of iftar is a boon for them."

A normal iftar meal consists of dates, biryani, water and a juice bottle for each and every person. The meal is catered by public cook and comes to the area right at time and is served to the public half an hour before the azan. According to the laws of Dubai there is no need for legal permissions to serve anything during iftar to the common public.

When questioned about the hygiene aspect Mr. Shariff says "Hygiene is given utmost importance, a plastic cloth is spread over on which people sit and everyday new paper cups, spoons and plates are used. After the iftar meal the area is again cleaned and made ready for the next day."

Other than managing of the mass iftar Mr. Shariff has a quiet busy schedule in Ramadan. He wakes up in the morning for seheri followed by the morning prayers after which he goes about monitoring the building and again goes to the mosque for the afternoon prayers. His day ends with praying the tarawi, special Ramadan prayers and then again going back to work for sometime and finally retiring for the day."The schedule in Ramadan gets a bit tougher but the thought of doing well to the society and myself keeps me going."

Mr. Shariff ends up with a very strong note saying "I hope I get a chance always to serve my community as much as I can and a lot of strength to make full use of the holy month of Ramadan"

CLOTHING, DEFINING CULTURE

A wide variety of Ridah's
Photo Credit: Nafisa Zaki

Walking through a street, where every body looks just the same, there are some people who stand out in the crowd. They are dressed modestly yet differently from the rest. A glance at them and people who know their community can easily tell their history, culture, and other specific features about them. And for those who gape with astonishment, they belong to a community called Dawoodi Bohra. And their specific dress style easily distinguishes them from the rest of the world.

The women who belong to this community wear a Rida, which is two piece clothing. And covers their entire body except for their face and palms. Apart from the conventional burkhas, these are different as they are in different colours and designs. The dressing style of this community whether it be men or women is said to define the community in the right manner.

Though clothing cannot be imagined to play any significant part in telling histories but if you go to see it was the way the people were dressed at those times which defines half of their attributes and marks history.

Cultures are not only spoken about in art works, dance forms, stories and books. They are attributed in many more things such as food, dresses, style of communication and way of carrying oneself. In the same manner, the dressing styles of the bohra talk about the way they are. Conventional yet colourful, modern yet secretive etc.

Like every other thing in the world even the ridas keep evolving. The community which is known for its unity and harmony is exceptionally thankful to their leader His Holiness D.R. Syedna Muhammad Burhanuddin who has brought about a significant change in this dress.

Before it was the same as what the majority of Muslim ladies wear today known as Khais. But then a need was felt to give an identity to the community and hence, the dressing was changed as it is the most significant aspect that is exposed to the world.

"We are very grateful to our leader as it was under his leadership that our dresses have changed. We did not mind wearing khais too. But with ridas we can experiment with different colours and designs. We stand out amongst the many and are respected for the same." says Rehana Zaki, a home maker.

a ridah with an image.

photo credit: Nafisa Zaki

If we closely look into the trends in Ridas we see majority of changes that have happened since before. Before they were just available in different colours. The brides used to wear more extravagant Ridas which had a hand made work done entirely on the skirt. This work would be floral, painting, landscape or others. But images of humans or animals are completely avoided.

"We have had many changes in designs, in fact each year something new comes up and so we have to be very smart in our ordering of ridas as better ridas keep coming up. Right now very simple ridas are being preferred but youngsters today are experimenting with colours a lot." says Rashida Silky, a very famous importer of ridas and owner of a brand called Silkytex.

Nowadays, colours like bright red, orange, green and others which no body could imagine wearing are preferred. Many different materials are also experimented with like jute, tuff cotton, jeans, raw silk and many others.

Bridal Ridas are made of raw silk and have exuberant colours and designs. The beauty of the bride is doubled by the Rida and also the matched accessories especially the matching 'maang tikka' which the brides wear for the nikah function.

Rafika bai, stitching a ridah.

photo credit: Nafisa Zaki

"Stitching Ridas is very easy as nowadays we get readymade two piece suits which just have to be attached according to measurement, and in one week I get an order for 5 Ridas to be stitched. And during functions like Ramadan, Eid etc. I get orders for at least 20 ridas in one week. And for these ridas I have to be extra careful as they are anyways very expensive" says Rafika Dahod wala, a rida tailor

Dawoodi Bohra community is known to travel a lot for various reasons and the best part is that every country has their own style of ridas, because people travel a lot they always exchange views on how to give ridas a new touch. As a result though they wear the same dress they are all different in their own way. There is a lot more about ridas than just this but the most important part about it is that it keeps the essence of culture alive in all times to come and their wearers take pride in showcasing it as they now have a significant identity and can satisfy their urge to be dressed decently and also delightfully.