The Fabric Of Eid: Stitching Together Love, Generosity, and Nostalgia

Ikkz Ikbal ✉

Eid-Ul-Fitr is celebrated after Muslims across the globe complete the holy month of Ramadan. While across cultures, the traditions may differ, there’s a unanimous joy that is celebrated in the form of food, family and friends. 

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A symphony of joy and anticipation fills the hearts of millions around the world. For me, Eid has always been more than just a celebration; laced with strands of love, generosity, and nostalgia.

The happiness is starting your EID with the sweet embrace of tradition, by wishing Eid greetings to your MUMMY first. Expressing love and gratitude to the person who has supported and loved me throughout the years brings me an unmatched sense of delight in the morning. And then what better way to kick-start the Eid celebrations than when you know Mummy still shares the traditional delights like "GHAR CHE GOV HUND DOUD🥛” (milk from the cow we own) with our dear neighbours on Eid morning. It’s a gesture that embodies the idea of unity and sharing while also fostering a sense of community.

However, the real charm of Eid is found in the small joys, such as starting Eid day with lepton chai (sweet tea) and cookies. Its warmth brings back memories of childhood jokes and close family ties. These Eid customs act as anchors, bringing us back to earth in a world full of memories and love.

Eid, for me, is a journey down memory lane, filled with happy memories of carefree childhood moments and unbridled joy. Eid for me as a child always began the previous evening, once the moon was sighted. And then the happiness of collecting Eidi, a token of the gift given by our elders on Eid. Eidi wasn’t just the amount for me, but the excitement of collecting it from all the older family members and putting it in the piggy bank.

The tradition of giving Eidi still continues but has undergone a major change _ both in terms of the purchasing power of elders and the expectations of children.

And the happiness of Eid Shopping with family. This one’s the least cool of them all. I’m sure you all remember getting excited about going down to the mall and trying on new clothes. I’m sure you also remember taking pictures in this ‘exciting’ attire. And I remember, when we couldn’t afford to buy anything in the shop, Dad would be like, “Thaav Hex Taam Aetii, Aes Yemov Gudde Youre” (Keep It There, We’ll Be Back)😂😂

And the happiness was also in not bargaining with someone who is working hard and trying to earn his daily bread. Feels great indeed. It is a humble experience that makes you realize how important it is to show a helping hand and spread love unconditionally.

After a month of fasting and spiritual introspection during the holy month of Ramadan, Eid-Ul-Fitr unites people from all cultural backgrounds in a celebration of food, family, and friendship. It’s a moment to celebrate diversity’s richness, to welcome both new and old customs, and to value the ties that bind us together.

On this occasion of Eid, let’s not only enjoy the celebrations but also embrace the spirit of generosity and compassion. For you, this Eid day may be a day of happiness and celebration, but many in our community may have this day the same as the other 365 days. Let’s happily extend a helping hand to those in need. Reach the children who are waiting to celebrate this day. Let’s share Love, Laughter and Learning together with friends, family and everyone around, and add kindness and unity to the tapestry of Eid.

Let this Eid-Ul-Fitr serve as a reminder of the value of compassion, empathy and unity, not just within our close circles but also towards those who might be going through difficulties of the times. As we celebrate this Eid with our loved ones, let’s exemplify the true spirit of this Eid by extending our hands and hearts to the less fortunate and those in need. May the blessings of this special day inspire us to share love, compassion and goodwill, creating a world where every individual is embraced with respect, decency and care.

EID MUBARAK to all and may peace and prosperity prevail for everyone.

 

Tail Piece:

This Eid let’s celebrate with our loved ones. Let’s spread love and goodwill wherever we are.

But from the standpoint of the current chaotic situation around us, let's not forget our brothers and sisters in Palestine and Gaza. The people of Palestine and Gaza continue to suffer.  Israel continues its relentless onslaught on Palestinians for more than 6 months now, killing tens and thousands of people and continuing its bombardment. Let’s pray for the Protection of the Children of Palestine from all harm. They have already gone through more than what we are gone already. They deserve to celebrate this Eid like all of us.

 

Note: Ikkz Ikbal is a PG in Biotechnology and is an Administrator MMI. He can be mailed at ikkzikbal@gmail.com.