Many faiths come together on Eid

The Express Tribune spoke to many people of different faiths in Lahore to enquire how they spend Eid.


Ali Usman September 10, 2010

LAHORE: Eid is a joyous occasion which we celebrate with our Muslim neighbours, people from other faiths in Lahore say. The Express Tribune spoke to many people of different faiths in Lahore to enquire how they spend Eid.

Most said that they wished their Muslim brothers and sisters on this day, much as Muslims wished them on their feasts and festivals.

Amarnath Randhawa, a Hindu, said that this year he would spend Eid in Sukkur helping flood victims.  He said that a large number of Hindu families had suffered the devastation of the flood and he would go and help them.  On his return to Lahore, he said, he would organise an Eid Milan party with his family.

“My son goes out with his friends on Eid while the women in the family send Eid gifts to their friends on this occasion,” he said.

Sangeeta Kumari said that she wore new clothes and bangles on Eid and visited friends. “I give Eid gift to my friends and they also wish me on Diwali and other religious occasions,” she said.  Kumari said that she appreciated the enthusiasm with which Eid is celebrated. “After fasting for a month, Muslims share food and special dishes with others and I enjoy having meals with my friends,” she said.

Napoleon Qayyum, a Catholic, said that he visits his friends on Chand Raat to wish them.

“My Muslim friends wish me and send cakes on Christmas so I also share their happiness on Eid. We also throw an Eid Milan party for the Christian community.”

Hebron Gill, a pastor, said that Muslims and Christians both joined each other on their religious festivals. He said that that attending each other’s religious festivals promoted interfaith harmony.

Sumairan John, a student, said that she put on a new dress on Eid day and also visited her university fellows to celebrate Eid with them. Ahmad (name changed), a member of the Baha’i community, said that he wished his Muslim friends on the occasion of Eid. He said that it was a good idea to celebrate interfaith festivals to promote interfaith harmony.

Mufti Munibur Rehman said that there wasn’t any harm in people from other religions joining Muslims on the occasion of Eid.

He said it was a good exercise in the promotion of interfaith harmony among people of different religions.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 10th, 2010.

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