My Memories of Eid ..

I was born and brought up in a city that has its history and culture dated back to the reign of the Nizam's. The Nizam's of Hyderabad, have influenced world over and even today their legacy lives on. I grew up in Alwal, a small place where a Temple and Mosque are standing tall like neighbours. My memories of the festival of Eid date back to the 90's, when learning in books was one part, but living it was another.;

Even as I grew up, I had friends from different backgrounds and cultures. My parents never taught me to respect people based on their caste or creed and or their position in life. They gave me values I cherish and I'm proud to have them in my life. There was this uncle, my dad's colleague, more precisely, he was a sub clerk in my dad's office and my dad had helped him a lot in many ways. He was elder to my father, but was a man down to earth and never showed his age as a criteria for gaining attention, respect or help. Dawood uncle, yes he was a Muslim, my dad (my family Brahmin), but that never stopped us from inviting him home or he inviting us over to his place. They both addressed or rather address each other as "Bhai".;

Every Eid, he rode down all the way from Old City ( Charminar), roughly around 23kms from my residence to give us the sheer khorma. My dad never missed to wish him, he always mentioned that my dad was always the first to greet him over a phone call, this was since the days of landline telephones. Even today, they share the same respect and bond. He's aged and doesn't travel anymore, but they both are still fond of each other and respect each other the same. He never misses to invite dad over for any occasion and yes dad gets a vegetarian meal cooked separately for him.;

Later, during my graduation years, my classmate Ameena, used to get us hot hot sheer khorma after Eid. Honestly, I used to never miss a chance to pester her for the Ramadan delicacy. All three years she used carry two big boxes of the khorma, while one was exclusively for me. Relished the dish thoroughly and I do miss those days. I also miss my city's Ramadan celebrations, the midnight market of Charminar, the haleem stalls with men continuously stirring the pot of haleem, the busy streets of Mozamjahi Market and not to forget the delights of Hyderabadi street food. Everything becomes extra special during this month in Hyderabad.;

As a mother, I am teaching my son, what my parents taught me. While returning from the market in the evening, he asked me looking at the Mosque, why was it decorated and lit up. I explained to him that it's Ramadan, a very special day for people who offer prayers there. I told him it's a festival like diwali. His instant response to it was " I too want to celebrate Ramadan". I didn't hesitate or think twice, I said yes!!! We are gonna celebrate Ramadan in our small way today.;

As a family we wish , Ramadan Mubarak to every family celebrating the festival.;
Eid Mubarak 🤗🤗🤗🤗;
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