“I long, as does every human being, to be at home, a place where I get to discover myself,”-Maya Angelou
For many, going back home during Eid-Ul-Fitr, is a cause for celebration; this is a way in which they become one with their roots. After an entire month of fasting, people want to break free from the urban jungle to share their happiness with those who are living away from them.
Be it the smell of burnt clay or the gentle breeze in remote village areas, every one of them is reason enough for a quick getaway to the land that raised them. Thus, they are ready to brave all the challenges that come with the journey in order to reunite with those they love and miss.
In the spirit of Eid, some of them voice their feelings about returning home, even if it’s for a few days and share how they make the most of this opportunity with utmost fervor. “I always look forward to spending Eid-ul-Fitr with my family and friends. Recently, we have been trying to plan more family holidays but I usually just stay in Dhaka and use the time to visit my siblings, aunts and uncles here. However, I do prefer visiting my hometown in Nilphamari during Eid-Ul-Azha,” shares Cultural Minister, Asaduzzaman Noor. He further elaborates, “I spent my entire childhood and college days in Nilphamari and have grown an emotional attachment to the place where I grew up. All my friends and family are generally a close-knit community. Eid is a good opportunity for me to interact with the people in my constituency and share food together in the spirit of the day.” According to Abdul Selim, the Vice President of Bangladesh Theatre Association and member of Bangladesh Oscar Committee, “Returning home is like going back to your mother; it gives us immense peace, and also energises us for the post-Eid stress and struggles of another long year in the mechanical urban life.” He also says that his happiness gets doubled when we celebrate the occasion with our loved ones. “We’ve grown up seeing our parents go back to their villages during Eid and we’ve made it a ritual to follow their footsteps,” prides Selim.
Some go beyond their comforts to go back, as though it’s their last chance to meet their relatives. On this note, Adib Hossain, Branch Manager of City Bank, Banani, says, “The sighting of the moon is a festivity in itself and this is one of the reasons for visiting my hometown. It’s great to watch the moon with your relatives and family members in the clear sky of your land instead of a crowded city. The happiness comes from within as you relish the most amazing homemade foods.”
Of course, after a month of fasting, food takes centre stage. However, the tradition of praying in the mosque with your close ones has a charm of its own. G.Sumdany Don, Chief Inspiration Officer at Don Sumdany Facilitation & Consultancy, says, “Getting intimate with family, sharing traditional food among your loved ones work as a therapy to establish a strong bond with your family. It helps to reduce stress and come out from any sort of depression, which is a dormant notion.”
The biggest festival for Muslims, Eid-ul-Fitr, blesses people with the opportunity to take a break from all the hustle and bustle of the city to get the peace of mind to return to our hectic lives with a renewed spirit.
By Monowara Chowdhury