Eid cards: a tradition lost to time in digital era

Social media platforms replace post offices, postmen for facilitating Eid greetings

RAWALPINDI:

The tradition of sending Eid cards, once a cherished part of the celebration, has nearly vanished with the rise of social media and technological advancements. What was once a heartfelt custom, with Eid greetings and small gifts of money (ranging from five to ten rupees) tucked inside the cards, is now a fading memory, especially for the younger generation.

In the past, families eagerly awaited the postman's arrival during the last week of Ramazan, anticipating the delivery of Eid cards, a tradition that spanned nearly a century. Adorned with Islamic, humorous, and sometimes celebrity-themed designs, these cards were eagerly chosen by families with great care and excitement. They were not just a greeting but a token of love and affection, often accompanied by a small amount of money, which doubled the joy of Eid.

The practice of sending Eid cards originated in the late 19th century in the Indian subcontinent. While affluent Muslim families had been sending decorative handwritten messages for centuries, the widespread use of printed Eid cards and their delivery through the postal system became popular in the late 1800s and continued for nearly a century.

Every year, after the first 15 days of Ramazan, both small and large markets across the city would be adorned with a variety of Eid cards—Islamic, humorous, featuring film stars, cricket stars, love themes, and cards for children.

Families would eagerly and attentively choose their preferred cards, with great interest and excitement. This tradition wasn't just one-sided; family members, no matter where they were, would always send Eid cards to their loved ones. Even those working abroad would send Eid cards to Pakistan, and similarly, cards were sent from Pakistan to those living overseas, creating eager anticipation among families, children, and women alike."

Children, especially, would excitedly open their Eid cards, and the small notes inside – whether one, two, five, or ten rupees – would bring additional joy. After the 20th of Ramazan, the postman would walk through the streets, delivering cards to eager families. In exchange, families would give him a ten-rupee tip, and everyone in the household, young and old, would send their own cards to loved ones.

However, with the advent of smartphones, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms, the tradition of Eid cards has faded. Now, Eid wishes are often sent in group messages, with the same greeting design shared with everyone. The personal touch is lost, and there is a sense of detachment in these digital greetings.

The post offices would flood with Eid cards ranging from Rs10 to Rs300 and people would find it difficult to choose the perfect card from a variety of cards.

Asghar Hayat, a senior citizen, recalls that for 50 years, Eid cards were a joyous tradition, but now, there are no postmen delivering cards, nor are the streets filled with markets selling them. "We have bought and sent Eid cards for about 50 years, from childhood to old age. The very mention of 'Eid card' would bring joy to our hearts and Eid cards were synonymous with happiness. When an Eid card arrived, it was common for children in the house to argue over who would open it first."

Bookseller Arif Qureshi says he still carries around a hundred different card designs, but sales are few and far between.