Postcards from Darfur
Preparing for Ramadan in Nyala
Nyala town in South Darfur, is widely known for its busy and lively market or souq, which was one of the central markets for goods in Sudan.
Saturday morning the streets in the souq are busily shuffling, mothers wearing colorful tobs are carrying their children in one hand while carrying bags full of spices, and dried fruits in the other.
Tuk tuks are non-stop picking up and dropping off customers at the center of the souq. Everyone is doing their last-minute shopping for the holy month of Ramadan.
Darfur is known best for its Baobab and Hibiscus, I rushed quickly to buy a lump sum of both to bring back to Khartoum. Both make great drinks, especially when you’ve been fasting all day, it rejuvenates your energy.
As we walk through the colorful spice aisles you can’t help but sneeze! Every kind of dried spice is readily available, women are buying in substantial amounts to stock up in preparation for Ramadan. These spices are essential for traditional Sudanese food, specifically gravies with aseeda, which is a cooked lump of dough and is the main plate of breakfast in Ramadan.
The store owners are all smiling and lounging by their store, business seems to be booming these days.
Women and men are rushing pass the shoes and clothing sections, as it’s not as busy as the rest of the souq. The rush for this section will be during the last few days of Ramadan when people are preparing for the celebration of Eid and bring their children to buy new clothes, shoes and even toys.
Although times are hard, and unstable, Ramadan brings out the unity and the best in everyone, which is what the town of Nyala seems to be hoping for. Regardless, UNICEF remains on the ground supporting the women and children of South Darfur.
On behalf of the UNICEF Sudan country team, we wish you and your family a joyful month.