This personal narrative is penned by Isma Ishtiaq, a resident of Delta, British Columbia. For additional insights into CBC’s First Person accounts, please refer to the FAQ.
A cherished memory from my childhood involves family gatherings where we sat cross-legged on a small beige mat. The setting sun would cast a warm amber hue through the curtains as we enjoyed a delectable Pakistani meal. Whether it was the aromatic biryani with saffron or the rich butter chicken alongside homemade naan, these meals were shared in a circle, passing plates, exchanging stories, and recounting the day’s highlights. This tradition, passed down from my father’s upbringing in Lahore to our serene household in north Delta, British Columbia, symbolized unity and cultural celebration across generations.
My father emphasized that beyond the meal itself, the act of sitting on the ground cultivated gratitude for the food we had. It represented the ties that bound us as a family and the enduring legacy of our cultural heritage. As time went by, the demands of adulthood drew my siblings and me away from these familial dinners, and over a decade had passed since we last gathered on that humble mat.
It was during a Thanksgiving gathering at the age of 23 that I revisited this tradition. Inviting my friends of diverse backgrounds to join us, I introduced them to the concept of dining together on the ground. Retrieving the worn-out beige mat from storage, we recreated the familiar circle, sharing a Thanksgiving meal in this unique setting.
The evening unfolded into a beautiful moment as my father, intrigued by our revival of the tradition, joined us on the ground. Explaining its significance to my friends, our gathering symbolized a fusion of heritage and modern customs, witnessed by the curious parents observing from the dining table. The experience resonated with most of my friends, with one likening it to the intimacy of a campfire gathering.
This event bridged the gap between our heritage traditions and Canadian customs, setting the stage for a revived tradition. The following evening, we gathered once more around the dining table, with the legacy of the beige mat making a poignant reappearance.
Inspired by our Thanksgiving experience, my father decided to reintegrate the tradition into our