Eid al-Adha is an Islamic festival starting on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijja to commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son. Muslims all over the world celebrate this day with religious fervor and enthusiasm.
As I got up to another beautiful, crisp autumn morning, went through my usual routine of getting ready, having breakfast, and walking to class, I felt an emptiness within me. It was a day like any other day, only difference being that it was Eid, and I guess that made all the difference. The thought of spending an occasion so big away from your family can be hard. As much as I tried to resist my emotions, I could not hide the melancholy.
Eid is considered a very significant and huge festival back home in Pakistan. It is rather a rare occasion where all the family relatives, who have been disconnected from each other for a very long time, get together and reclaim their strong family bonds. Not only this but also, to set the juncture, everyone wears the best traditional clothes. It is undoubtedly one of the most prominent highlights in Pakistan throughout the year.
The festivities of this notable occasion begin prior to the specific day, at nightfall. The young women are excited during this time; to celebrate the festival, they get their henna done from stalls which are organized especially for this time. Due to this enthusiasm, the markets are usually bustling with energy and remain open till very late in the night, so that people can shop for Eid. Eid is a public holiday throughout most Muslim countries, which contributes to the festive atmosphere around.
The day of Eid begins with a unique prayer, after which children are given Eidi (money), which makes it exciting for the kids as well! The streets of Pakistan usually echo with the phrases of "Eid Mubarak," which is used to greet loved ones on this cherishing occasion. This is followed by the sacrificing of an animal, in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was willing to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail (AS), but was later asked to sacrifice an animal instead. Families usually gather at their native hometowns where large feasts are organized. Eid festivities last up to three days.
After spending all these colorful Eids in Pakistan since I was a child, my first Eid away from home was not what I expected. I never realized how much I missed home until Eid. On an occasion that is so family centric, being away from home was not a good feeling.
My first Eid without family was bittersweet. Just like any other usual day, I had to do homework, study for quizzes, and show up for all the classes. It seemed so unusual, taking classes on Eid. On such occasions, you miss the fervor with which you have always celebrated Eid and the whole festive ambiance—something that you can never experience anywhere else other than home. Thus, the idea of Eid without family sounds so uncanny because the idea of bonding with family and friends is very important on Eid.
However, this made me realize that though I am away from family and Eid without family can never be the same, friends and compatriots can fill the void on such occasions. There is a feeling of unity amongst you and your friends because you know that you are not alone in this, making them your second family and thus reviving the spirit of Eid — an occasion meant to be spent with the loved ones.
