I have always loved a good makeover, until Eid became its subject. The blend of traditionality, modernity with a sprinkle of commercialization has given Eid a not so subtle transformation over the years. Eid has probably become more like a day of relaxation than a celebration.
Growing up, Eid was always that time of the year when Ammu and Nanu’s cooking skills seamlessly defeated all the chefs of Michelin star restaurants. It was the time when the series of meal courses would not just end. The aroma of pulao, roasts, kabab, saslick, shemai, chotpoti and 50 other dishes used to confuse my sensory nerves. However, since the past few Eids, Nanu’s warm hugs got lost within the bustle of pink colored jersey wearing Foodpanda riders, delivering ordered foods.
I remember the time when we used to buy one fancy dress and hide it inside a drawer thinking it won’t be ‘Eid’ Eid if someone sees it beforehand. But now our Eid is almost incomplete until we get a kamiz from Anzara and panjabi from Illiyeen. Shopping has become a lot about scrolling through Facebook and ordering, rather than going to a store and buying a shirt for Abbu which he laid eyes on for a moment but did not express it in front of others cause ‘fathers are providers first’. What a time it was when I wore my light-blue gown and everyone shouted pointing at me, ‘Cinderella’! I collected salami twice from most of my family members that Eid. Those memories morphed into our Instagram stories and salamis are transferred into accounts, not mini pouches. I am not against the process, far from it actually. But there is always this tingling sensation in trading Nanabhai’s cheek-pinching for virtual high fives and digital eid cards. Call me sentimental but I would choose nobabi-shemai over a slice of cheesecake anyday.
But I know it’s not all doom and gloom. There’s plenty of reasons to rejoice Eid. Whether it’s finding new ways to show gratefulness to Allah for a whole month of blessing or rekindling old connections through virtual reunions. Eid in the digital era serves as a reminder that while customs may change, the spirit of the holiday never fades.
So, I’ll cling to the recollections of the sound of laughter resonating through the hallways as I make my way through this transformed new world of Eid celebrations. Maybe this Eid, I will give handwritten letters with a seal of love in it to rediscover the pleasure of living in a society that moves quickly. Here’s to embracing all the quirks of modern Eid celebration while never saying bye to timeless rituals that make this festival so special. So whether with an warm embrace or emoji-attached text, ‘EID MUBARAK’