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As the digital age continues to surge, one cherished tradition that has embraced the digital revolution is the exchange of Eid cards. They used to be the biggest deal; you couldn't imagine Eid without Eid cards—picking out the perfect card, writing a heartfelt message, and sending it off to your dearest friends and family members. It was more than just a piece of paper; it symbolized connection and tradition.
Eid cards, beyond their folds, something was unimaginablea few decades ago. Whether it be grown-ups or children, everyone loved getting Eid cards.
The arrival of Eid meant you would go scouring through some very familiar stores, be on the lookout for hawkers or vans selling Eid cards, and then, when you finally found the perfect card, you would convey your warmest festive greetings.
Azad Products, the pioneer of printed goods in Bangladesh, was once one of the first names that came to mind when buying Eid cards during their glory days. They have witnessed the shift like no one else.
Jia Azad, the son of the Founder of Azad Products and current Deputy Managing Director, says, "Eid cards barely sell anymore. After seeing demands close to none, we've stopped selling Eid cards individually. However, we do get frequent orders for corporate groups."
"Every once in a while, we do get some customers seeking Eid cards. They are, of course, from a particular age range, specifically from when Eid cards were at their peak."
When asked about the reason behind the drop in sales, Jia Azad replied, "I believe it's largely because generations have changed. And due to the upbringing of digital devices and the internet, the new generation has a new approach to expressing emotions."
"Now, we can simply find a nice Eid wish online and forward it to all our family and friends on WhatsApp. But there is no personal touch in there. The raw emotion attached to a physical Eid card cannot be replaced by an e-card."
Once, Eid cards were like little gifts filled with handwritten love. But now, things are different. Instead of browsing through vans and stores for the perfect card, we scroll through screens, choosing from digital options with fancy animations and ready-made messages.
"What's something you fondly remember from when Eid cards used to sell the most?"
"You'd have very sweet encounters with those whom you're selling Eid cards to. People would often tell you who they're buying the Eid cards for in order to find the perfect card. We would get so many people with so many requests and it truly showed how much they cared what goes in the card." replied Jia Azad.
Once stationary owners were seen selling Eid cards, almost gone. A stationery owner expressed his feelings regarding the Eid card.
"Eid cards are rare now. But I remember when I used to sell, children wanted a variety of designs - cartoon characters, different messages - they would usually return brimming with joy."
The familiar sight of Eid cards being sold in stores and vans is gone, but have Eid cards gone extinct physically?
"You can still find Eid cards, but you must go to New Market or Old Dhaka. Even then, you'd need tough luck to find them," the shop owner replied.
While searching online, a semi-active practice still exists of buying Eid cards in Facebook Marketplace and other e-commerce sites like Daraz. You can still find variety, but more one-for-all designs have replaced some classic designs. Also, the cost of buying an Eid card has multiplied in some cases—where a single Eid card would cost 5-20 tk before, now it costs 10-200 tk.
Even though things are changing, the spirit of Eid remains the same—it's about love, unity, and being together. Whether through a paper card or a digital one, the message remains, reminding us of the bonds that hold us together.