There is a distinct magic in the air when Delhi celebrates Eid, and it smells unmistakably of slow-cooked biryani, rich korma, and sweet nostalgia. For the city's prominent faces, the festival remains a beautiful bridge of harmony — a time to swap fast-paced routines for grand family get-togethers, childhood memories, and Eid ki daawat.
Memories of Eid in Lucknow and Allahabad
Shahnaz Husain recalls, "Memories of my Eid celebration in Lucknow and Allahabad fill me with nostalgia and warmth. Eid has always held a special place in my heart, not only because of the joyous celebrations and delicious feasts, but also because of the teachings my father imparted to us during this time. I remember the Eid mornings when the aroma of freshly made sweets would spread throughout our house. Amidst the festivities, my father would always remind us of the true essence of the occasion. His actions reflected his belief that religion should not be a barrier, but a bridge that brings people closer together."
She adds, "The memories of my childhood in Lucknow and Allahabad during Eid fill me with nostalgia and warmth. In Lucknow, where I spent most of my early years, Eid was a spectacle of colours, aromas, and traditions. The bustling streets came alive with decorations, vibrant fabrics, and twinkling lights. We wore elaborate new outfits, adorned our hands with henna, and stacked colourful glass bangles on our wrists. The reunions during Eid were always special. From my father's office staff to friends and eminent guests, everyone was welcomed traditionally with flowers and the fragrance of rose water. No Eid feast was complete without seviyaan and kheer. The house would echo with laughter as guests enjoyed aromatic biryani, rich korma, and delicately flavoured kebabs. But more than the food, it was the warmth, companionship, and togetherness that truly defined Eid for us."
The Festival Feast as Eidi
Kitty Kalra and her family pose in their festive best. She says, "Eid, for me, has always been about togetherness, warmth, and gratitude. I will celebrate at my brother's home, where the entire family gathers. What I cherish in today's fast-paced times is that we all make the effort to take time out and celebrate together. This Eid, there is no eidi, but the feast itself is the eidi. Growing up, we would go to my grandmother's house, where all the members of the extended family came together. But the essence remains the same."
Best Eid Biryani at Salman–Zaman's Home
Salman Khan Niazi, of the Salman-Zaman duo, with his wife Haleema, notes, "All the musicians know, if you want to eat the best Eid biryani, it will be at Salman–Zaman's home. This Eid, too, is all about festivity and feasting. After our family and friends come together, we will also host a mehfil in the evening. It is the perfect way to celebrate Eid. For lunch, my mother and my wife prepare the best korma, biryani, chapli kebab and seviyan. My friends eagerly wait for this lunch every year."
Sacrifice and Purpose
Kamal Sabri with his sons, Abdul Ahad Sabri and Asad Sabri, shares, "Our Eid is also musical, just like us. Along with family, our students also come to celebrate Eid with us. We sing our compositions and celebrate together. This Eid is all about food, so we are looking forward to that. Growing up, hamare walid sahab humein leke masjid jaate thay subah, aur phir I would always buy a toy on my way back. This Eid is also about letting go of your ego and sacrificing whatever is not aligned with your purpose."
Eid in Delhi, Bakrid in Bihar
Politician Shahnawaz Hussain says, "Main Eid Dilli mein manata hoon aur Bakrid Bihar mein. Ye qurbani ka tyohaar hai, Hajj ke baad ye tyohaar hota hai toh iska sabse uncha martaba hai. Main Eid Dilli mein manata hoon aur Bakrid Bihar mein."
The Value of Sacrifice
Riaz Hamidullah, Bangladesh High Commissioner, remarks, "Eid-ul-Adha, to Muslims world over, reminds of the value of sacrifice, in a wider sense. To embrace people-in-need, around. That's just crucial across countries and communities, as we often struggle to secure harmony and togetherness riding above various distinctions."
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