For actor Shane Nigam, Eid is inseparable from memories of overflowing family gatherings, cricket matches with cousins, and the warmth of a bustling ancestral home. In a recent interview, he opened up about the traditions and moments that defined his childhood celebrations.
Family Reunions at the Tharawad
Shane recalls that the most cherished memories revolve around the entire family coming together at his paternal tharawad (ancestral home) in Muvattupuzha, Kerala. This happened twice a year, during both Eid celebrations. He also remembers visiting his mother’s family home in Fort Kochi.
Playing Cricket with Cousins
The celebrations would begin early in the day with new clothes, prayers at the mosque, and preparations for a large family lunch. After the meal, elders would give youngsters pocket money, similar to Vishu kaineettam. Shane says they eagerly waited for this money, which they would stretch for months to go to the theatre or treat themselves. However, some of the strongest memories are not around the dining table but outside the house. While elders rested after lunch, the younger cousins would rush off to play cricket. He describes this as a core memory, especially an incident where they broke a window while playing. Their grandfather did not scold them, but the next time, that area was sealed off. Playing cricket there with his four cousins remains vividly in his mind.
The Bakrid Tradition of Sharing
Shane also remembers the Bakrid tradition of animal sacrifice that took place in the large compound behind the house. When he was younger, he felt uneasy about it, but later when he wanted to participate, those days had passed. The meat was distributed among family members and shared with poorer households in the neighborhood. Only a small portion remained at home for cooking. The whole idea, he explains, was to ensure that everyone had a good meal that day.
Letting Go of the Ancestral Home
The family gatherings eventually came to an end after Shane’s grandparents sold the ancestral home in 2012, finding it difficult to manage on their own. Letting go of the house was overwhelming for all the cousins. Shane was in college then, and one last time, he and his cousin borrowed a scooter and went there just to spend some time in the house. It carried so many memories for them, he signs off on a wistful note.
