Roza kushai: what a child wears for their first fast

What a roza kushai is

Many Pakistani families celebrate a child’s first fast with a roza kushai. Relatives are invited for iftar in the child’s honour, the child sits at the centre of the dastarkhwan, and they are often garlanded with a haar of flowers or a garland of currency notes, given gifts, and photographed a great deal. The age for a first fast differs from family to family, and so does the size of the celebration: some keep it to the household, others invite half the khandaan.

Clothes matter because the child is the guest of honour, but they also have to get through a long day without food and water.

Two outfits: one for the fast, one for iftar

During the day, let the child wear something soft and cool. They will be tired and hungry by the afternoon, and a stiff new outfit worn from sehri onwards makes that harder.

About an hour before iftar, when guests begin to arrive, change them into the special outfit. It will be fresh for the photos and the garland, and they only need to be comfortable in it for the evening.

If the fast falls on a school day, the child may come home tired and hungry. A wash and a rest in comfortable clothes before changing for iftar makes a big difference to their mood in the photos.

Outfit ideas

• Boys: a kurta shalwar in white, ivory or a soft colour, with a light waistcoat for the photos and a prayer cap if your family uses one.
• Girls: a shalwar kameez or a frock with churidar in a light, festive colour, with a soft dupatta. Gota or light embroidery on the dupatta edge looks special without adding weight.
• Both: the child’s name or initials embroidered on the kurta pocket, the kameez yoke or the dupatta corner, so the outfit is a keepsake of the day.
• Many families favour white or pastels for a roza kushai, but there is no fixed rule.

Comfort for a fasting child

• Choose breathable, light fabric. Ramadan falls in late winter and spring for the next few years, but crowded rooms still get warm.
• Keep the neckline comfortable. A heavy haar sits on the collar, so avoid scratchy embroidery at the neck and ask for a soft lining.
• An elasticated shalwar or pajama is easier than a tight drawstring for a child who will sit on the floor for a long iftar.
• Skip heavy waistcoats or lined jackets unless the evening is cold.

Garlands and photos

The garland is the centrepiece of most roza kushai photos. A heavy haar of flowers or notes can pull a light dupatta off or crush a delicate collar, so put it on just before the photos and take it off for the meal. Choose an outfit colour that contrasts with the garland: white flowers disappear against a white kurta, while a pastel or soft colour lets them stand out. If relatives give note garlands, keep a small bag ready to hold them safely once they come off.

Ordering a custom outfit

We stitch custom eastern wear for children, and our size guide covers custom sizes from 2–3Y up to 11–12Y. Measure the chest, shoulder and length following our guide on how to measure a child for a shalwar kameez, then send the measurements, a colour and any reference photos through custom orders. Making time is confirmed when you ask, so get in touch before Ramadan begins.

If you have questions about whether your child is ready to fast, ask your doctor.

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