If you thought Eid was just for Muslims, you are greatly mistaken as those who have faith are standing by their friends and hoping to relish some delicious non-vegetarian dishes during the festival.
Says Gunjan Singh, a media professional, “My two close Muslim friends from school Sania and Sana are coming to Delhi. We’re like childhood friends and we have always celebrated Eid together. But this time, both are coming to the city with family to celebrate the festival. Though I will be working, I plan to join them in the evening. I can’t wait to savour the yummy home-cooked food. I love the mutton briyani, korma and shammi kebabs. The whole idea of meeting elders and exchanging greetings is what I enjoy the most.”
Richa Gupta, who resides in Old Delhi near Jama Masjid will join her neighbours for a grand feast. “As a child, on Eid, I would always rush to my balcony early morning to see nattily dressed people heading towards the mosque to offer namaz. But since, I have moved to Delhi, I have always celebrated it with my friendly neighbours. We get up early, dress up in ethnic outfits to meet all my Muslim friends and of course, I wait for the time when they offer me sevaiyaan. Being in Old Delhi, I’m lucky to enjoy the authentic feel of the festival. Festivals are no longer one community’s domain, they are now enjoyed by everybody who is a true friend and I would say anybody who loves good food.”
Interestingly, many Muslim students, who are away from home, are planning to go out with their non-Muslim friends. Lalita Chimwal, a student, who recently shifted base from Dubai to Delhi, shares, “After moving to India two years back, all my close pals are non-Muslims. So, I have always celebrated Eid with them. We are planning a small party at a friend’s farmhouse with barbeque and mocktails. Later, we might go shopping to a mall followed by a nice long drive.”