Middle East conflict casts shadow on Eid celebrations in Goa

Festival time is always exciting, with people celebrating in myriad interesting ways. This year, Eid ul-Fitr festivities in Goa were decidedly toned down.

Nine-year-old Armaan Sheikh from Borda was excited as he counted his Eidi money, after he received a lot of gifts from family on this Eid morning.

“I asked my uncles and aunts to give me presents this Eid ul-Fitr, and as Eidi, they gave me around Rs 800. With this money I plan to buy some games for myself,” says Armaan, who is celebrating Eid with his paternal side of the family in Panjim.

With all the unrest and tensions in Palestine, many Mulims in Goa have decided to tone down their celebrations.

And, among them is Armaan’s family, who has instead donated money to many organisations that will, in turn, help the needy.

Aslam Sheikh decided that he would cut down on festive expenses and instead pray for the safety of children and their families in war-stricken nations.

“Eid is the biggest festival for us, but looking at what is happening around us, we need to be more mindful," says Aslam, as he helps his wife prepare falooda for his guests.

"We have made fewer purchases compared to other years, and we have decided to share it with others,” he adds.

Ambrin Beig, who lives with her husband in Panjim, also planned to have a smaller celebration.

“Instead of buying two to three pairs of salwars and dresses, we bought just one set. Instead of having more than three dishes, we stuck to just one – biryani," says Ambrin.

"Earlier, if we made mutton biryani, we also made chicken and kebabs, but this year, we had just chicken biryani and one sweet dish,” she admits.

For Firdaus, an architect based in Panjim, Eid ul-Fitr, as usual, is a time of giving and sharing food with neighbours and giving monetary gifts to children.

“A major focus is on giving to the less fortunate so they, too, can find a reason to celebrate. As we become more mature, we realise that there are many who can’t afford even one meal a day, and it compels us to be more frugal in our own lives,” he explains.

Firdaus, who like Ambrin and Aslam, has cut down on the festivities, says, “The Palestinian issue is affecting humanity at large."

"Last year, Christmas in certain parts of the world was also toned down. Eid is no exception. How can we be callous when there are people who are facing such horrific crimes on the same earth that we share?” he opines.

In a world torn by wars and unrest, there are still many who believe in humanity and kindness.

From being mindful and conscious, this year, quite a number of Goans decided to take a break from all the pomp, and connect closer to humankind.