Eid is a type of particular days when irrespective of how far one is, or how busy life will get, house is the place the guts returns. The identical holds true for star boxer and Olympian Nikhat Zareen, who’s prepping to make a comeback to the ring in Could – after an extended damage layoff following the Paris Olympics 2024 – and is brining on optimistic vibes in festive mode. Presently at house, in Hyderabad, this is how she is embracing the festive spirit of Eid-al-Fitr whereas being surrounded by household, mates, and naturally the scrumptious meals!
Nikhat Zareen was not too long ago in Delhi however returned house in time to be together with her household in Hyderabad, and relish sheer khurma cooked by her mom (left) for Eid celebrations.
“It brings me so much happiness that this year I will be celebrating Eid at home, unlike last year when I wasn’t able to because I was travelling due to tournaments and training,” shares the 28-year-old.
Quickly she begins reminiscing about her chilhood when tge pageant of Eid used to deliver alongside numerous mirth. “Bachpan ki bahut saari yaadein judi hain Eid se. All my cousins and I used to wear new clothes, and go with the entire family to the Idgah (near our house). After the elders offered namaaz, the kids would get Eidi from them as a token of their love and blessings. All this brought so much joy to us,” she remembers.
Having grown as much as be India’s ace boxer, even right this moment Nikhat’s pleasure stays no bounds each time it is time for Eid. “The entire family gets together for the festival. Mothers prepare delicious food and sweets, and the young ones help them in the kitchen,” she provides.
Although her career calls for strict self-discipline and food regimen restrictions virtually all-round the 12 months, however Nikhat confesses she’s in no temper to budge right this moment! “Mummy ke haath ka sheer khurma toh must hai Eid par. Woh main skip nahi kar sakti! Maine apni nutritionist se ek cheat day ke liye special request ki hai… Aur biryani bhi nahi chhod sakti aaj (smiles) toh bas agle din extra calories burn karni padengi,” she states with a loud snigger.
Not simply prayers and feasts, however even procuring is a giant a part of the pugilist Eid celebrations. “Shopping for new clothes is a must! That’s whu I have ensured to be back in Hyderabad, a few days before Eid, so that I can go for shopping with my sisters,” reveals Nikhat who was not too long ago in Delhi, and may’t include happening and on about her love for the Capital’s festive allure particularly throughout Ramzan. She shares, “Dilli ka mahaul bahut achha hota hai (during this time). I have been to Jama Masjid so many times, and the food there is special. From the biryani to Mohabbat ka Sharbat, I have tried and loved it all! There is such a charm around this time in Old Delhi.”
However earlier than going again to gorge on one other bowl of sheer khurma, the sportsperson shares a heartfelt want for all HT Metropolis readers: “Eid is a festival of happiness, peace and being with the family and I pray for the same for everyone celebrating.”