Deeply Engrossed in my thoughts, the bygone memories play infront of me like butterflies- merrily and happily flying around the flowers and sucking nectar. Ah! these childhood memories always evoke nostalgia and often make me happy and kiddy. As for my peers, Eid came with a lot of delicacies and surprises for me as well. It was indeed a day we got freedom to do whatever we want.
As kids we enjoyed the joy of adorning our hands with Henna (Mehandi) on Eid eve, usually called Arafa in this part of the world. Eid would start with a bunch of surprises like new clothes, delicious cuisines , snacks, sweets, chocolates and the big bumper surprise being cash gift called Eidi. With the first ray of sun we would jump out of our beds freshen up , dress up and greet each other. Eid greetings would start to echo in air once the shawaal moon was sighted. Guests and relatives were always welcome but on Eid they were welcomed with zeal and zest because their arrival guaranteed Eidi.
The way of looking at life has altogether changed with the onset of pandemic . Circumstances do play a pivotal role in taming us, things remain same, so do our relations and festivals but the way we perceive them changes because of changing circumstances moreover the unprecedent circumstances demand unprecedent measures .
Eid would always start with happiness and enthusiasm and now, when the Eid is around the corner, I don’t see any enthusiasm among people, happiness and curiosity among kids, no glee and gaiety around, people are no more interested in anything. The most obvious reason being the people of my land are sad, silent and in deep pain. No doubt Eid is the festival of fun and joy but the faces of people reflect woe and mourning. They are immersed in sufferings, their universe is full of grief, their minds clouded with uncertainty and eyes full of tears . Markets are deserted. Pandemic has transformed homes that were lively once into lifeless houses .
The truth is that with every passing day our pain is getting intensified. This pandemic has engulfed the entire world and people are economically and socially disrupted.Day by day the times are getting harsh and situation has gone from bad to worst. People are facing challenges that they never faced before .challenges to arrange two times meals for there loved ones, challenges to overcome the suicidal thoughts , challenges to arrange medicine. Amidst all such challenges how can one celebrate Eid when entire humanity is quaking in its boots . People are all times thinking ‘test or not’. Even the simple dryness of throat makes us believe that we are COVID positive. Covid is a nightmare that has made days ugly and nights lonely. It has filled our hearts with such fear that sanitizers and disinfectants have replaced our cold teams and perfumes.
Eid the day of happiness has always been celebrated with firm shades of brother hood . Let us share our brother hood by lending a helping hand towards each other.This is high time for people in corridors of power to display more humanitarian approach towards the general public .Love is the magic potion that heals and cures.
With this Eid let us hope for things to fall in line for good and people start to love and value their life . God be with us always .
In these times of severity,
People around are meek and weak.
How about to give some charity,
And make happy the faces that are bleak.
The author teaches at HS Binner Baramulla and can be mailed at aasimajkhan@gmail.com