Eid Notes

Relief & Embarrassment. Looking at the Ruet e Hilal Committee
ramble on their television press conference, 10 minutes later announcing the ‘sighting’ of the moon and ‘formally’ declare Pakistan ‘can’ celebrate Eid 30 days of fasting later. Even the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia the bastion of all things awful considers it appropriate to rely on science to determine when the lunar calendar begins/wanes. There is no rational explanation why the politicians in the land of the pure consider it important to maintain this ‘committee’ of NONSENSE.

Chaand raat with friends reminds one of all the wonderful and warmth of Pakistan. There is no description that appropriately captures the feeling of the collective joy and reflection of a shared month of many emotions, from the jokes of those who didn’t fast to the nostalgia of those whose meditative state comes to an end. The rituals of churis/bangles, mehndi and gluttonous culinary delights cements what really is important and worthy of our cultural memories. I wish we had more of this. Its wonderful to see so many laugh, happy, joyous, optimistic and celebrating.

You blink and from looking forward to Eidi to making sure your Eidi envelopes are enough for all your nieces and nephews, how time flies. There is nothing more beautiful than the sight of your children in Eid clothes shy coy and with a mischievous smile looking forward to their Eidi. If they are anything like us, the competition of who gets the most Eidi from the most unexpected ‘uncle and aunty’ probably still thrives.

I am grateful we are safe and together as a family and a nation. Time to get back to work and wake up from the month’ slumber.

Eid ul Fitr is as close to the feeling I had at Christmas growing up. It is joyous and the sense of family, community and inclusiveness is palatable. I love it and I am grateful this year Pakistan had a peaceful and joyful one.

Eid Mubarak.