Pakistan

Sacrifice rituals: Tale of twin cities

The locals feast at eateries, take in some fresh air at public parks or even turn to the hills.

Maryam Usman October 16, 2013

The locals feast at eateries, take in some fresh air at public parks or even turn to the hills. PHOTO: AFP

ISLAMABAD:

Come Eidul Azha and most people in the federal capital will leave for their hometowns to celebrate the joyous occasion with their loved ones. It is no wonder then that Islamabad is somewhat deserted on Eid.

Beyond the animal sacrifice rituals, the locals feast at eateries, take in some fresh air at public parks or even turn to the hills to become one with nature. Others find solace in watching movies or devouring books. All in all, it is a time to unwind and rejoice in the warm circle of family and friends.

Like no set of twins is similar, the celebration and customs of Eid vary as one moves from the federal capital to the culturally-rich city of Rawalpindi.

“Pindi, like any other city of Punjab, is more lively during Eid because families meet, food is shared, people turn to their relatives,” said Saad Hamid, an Islamabad-based social media entrepreneur. Hamid added that Islamabad becomes a ‘ghost town’ on the occasion, mainly because families leave the city to celebrate with their relatives. “For Isloo-ites, it’s mostly just another holiday,” he said.

Meanwhile, Quratulain Ahmed, a freelance graphic designer, who prefers going to Pindi to meet her family, said, “Eid in Islamabad is quite boring but if I can find the time, I enjoy going to the hills.”

Pindi comes alive on Eid. “People really bond there. In streets and in mohallas. The bazaars. The people. The lighting. The honking cars. The Pindi bowyz. It feels so festive,” said Amber Saeed, a home-maker. “We put henna in the night. We all make it to the graveyard to pay salam to my grandparents in the morning before Eid prayer. Then we all head back to my place and we have our mandatory nihari breakfast. I love Eid in Islamabad. Such gorgeous weather, too.”

“Praying at Faisal Mosque is a blessing you’ve got in Islamabad. It’s right there. It feels great. After that, move on to binge,” said Shahana Khan, a production manager who enjoys going for Eid prayers to the mosque.

Wishu Khan, an electronic journalist, “Isloo-ites have an edge of having more recreational opportunities. Those in Rawalpindi have to plan going to various places such as the zoo, Rawal Lake, F-9 Park and Margalla Hills.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 16^th, 2013.