Eid celebration in a different setting

The wait is over. After a month of fasting, prayer and spiritual reset, Eid-ul-Fitr is going to be celebrated tomorrow (Monday) or the day after (Tuesday), depending on the sighting of the crescent moon of Shawwal. The faithful throughout the world celebrate this time of joy, gratitude and togetherness as they gather to mark the end of Ramadan with festivities rooted in divine command. On this day, families gather to have a meal together, children rejoice in new clothes and eidi, and the air resonates with the warmth of shared blessings. The joy and festive spirit is felt more keenly this year in Bangladesh as this marks the country's first Eid after years of living under an oppressive autocratic regime. The country is now under an interim government leading the transition to necessary reforms and democratic elections, and so this Eid carries the weight of political change as well. For the first time over a decade, the celebration of Eid is not only one of spiritual fulfilment but also of hope and liberation.

A defining feature of this Eid is the unprecedented nine-day continuous holiday that began on March 28, which also added to the joy of the festivities. For the first time, a five-day holiday was granted for Eid to allow people an extended period to be with their families. This decision has been met with widespread enthusiasm, as many city dwellers depend on extended breaks to make the often arduous journey to rural hometowns. It also provided a rare opportunity for relaxation and a general slowing down of the normally hectic pace of life. This year's homebound journeys have seen relative ease compared to previous years', a welcome change from the usual chaos associated with Eid travel. Millions of people have already left Dhaka on trains, buses, and launches, with reports indicating a mostly hassle-free experience. This can be attributed, on the one hand, to the extended nine-day holiday which has helped distribute the flow of travellers more evenly, and on the other hand, to the active oversight by law enforcement agencies. The deployment of Bangladesh Army personnel to key highways, working alongside traffic police and transport authorities, has notably improved coordination for a smoother and more secure journey.

Furthermore, there is a slight reprieve in the relentless pressure of food prices, providing a small measure of comfort during the festive season. Some staples such as onions and potatoes have become unexpectedly affordable, while others, like rice, cooking oil and meat, remain costly but are somewhat more accessible than in recent years to enable even the low-income households to share the celebrations. Markets hum with activities as families purchase clothes, toys, sweets and fruits that inject temporary vitality into a sluggish economy. However, the joy of Eid is tempered by the stark reality faced by some garment workers who are returning home without their due salaries and bonuses. These workers, who work tirelessly to sustain the country's crucial garment industry, should not have to leave for their villages empty-handed, especially at a time of celebration. In a nation aspiring to eliminate discrimination, this annual injustice should no longer persist.  

Eid is more than its celebrations; it is also a profound opportunity to reflect on the religious and ethical responsibilities toward others. The true essence of Eid, exemplified through Zakat and Fitra, therefore lies in extending generosity to those in need, and building a society where empathy and kindness prevail. Let Eid serve as a call to compassion and shared humanity. Eid Mubarak to all.