Citizens celebrate Eid with religious fervour

Family gatherings followed sacrificial rites, parties hosted at scenic venues

RAWALPINDI:

Eidul Azha was celebrated with religious fervour in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

After the observance of Eid prayers in the early morning and the ritual of sacrifice, which was performed by most at the earliest possibility, several people prepared delicious dishes to serve family members and guests.

Since the last chance to fulfil the religious obligation of sacrifice is before sundown on the third day, and prices of butchering services were considerably reduced by this time, many people conducted the rite of sacrifice on the last day. The meat shops also remained busy as citizens brought in meat to be prepared into their choice of cuts and ground with spices for mincemeat dishes.

The Eid spread featured festival favourites such as biryani, pulao, karahi and kebab barbecue. Eid parties continued throughout the third day of Eid when, as per family tradition, married gentlemen celebrated ‘in-laws day’, while others arranged gatherings and feasts with close friends. Many threw tikka parties with friends in the Margalla Hills and on the banks of Rawal Dam.

The price of barbecue equipment rose due to inflation and sellers reported that the sale was of grills and other products were slow. This was also attributable to the hot weather, that many were bearing with going out in the evening and enjoying cold snacks like ice cream and beverages.

Outdoor celebrations

Following the series of visits from guests and Eid parties at relatives’ and friends’, many families participated in recreational activities such as going to the parks in the evening to enjoy the Eid holidays together.

As the heat of the summer days depleted by night-break, families headed to parks and entertainment venues to celebrate Eid. The major amusement parks of Rawalpindi, Ayub National Park, Joyland Family Park and Iqbal Park were crowded with families and children.

Adults and children alike, everyone’s faces were glowing with the joy of Eid. The children were particularly happy to collect Eidi. Then spent the Eidi they had gathered on their favourite swings to go on in the parks. While some rode the roller coaster rides, others swung to the air on swings and bounced on jumping castles.

The children visiting the parks voiced their mirth by saying that they had celebrated Eid, had eaten the delicious meat dishes, and had now come to play in the park, where they had a lot of fun.

A girl named Sidra, while speaking to The Express Tribune, said, “I like swings very much, so I came to the park after insisting that my father bring me here. It is really fun to be in the park.” The visitors at the parks also enjoyed refreshments that were available at the entertainment venues.