DP Daily Prompt: Memories of holidays Past Ranu’s post

December 16, 2013

Eid celebration (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

My most favorite holiday is “Eid al-Fitr. It is an important Islamic celebration.  I have incredible memories of this day. The festivities begin after the end of Ramadan. Parents have a lot of work to do before this precious holiday.

My Mom was responsible to buy materials for us. Then the tailor came to take our measurements .  He’d tell my Mom when the clothes would be ready. Most of the time the clothes were ready two days before this holiday.

We’d wait patiently for the day of the celebration. One ‘Eid Day”. The tailor brought the stitched clothes the day before. We were concerned ,we thought we’d have to wear our old clothes instead of   the new ones.

The morning of ‘Eid Day’ we’d compete who’d take a shower first. We’d wear our new dresses and wish our parents. We’d thank them for providing the clothes. My Dad would take my brothers to the mosque to pray. We’d wait for them to come home, my Dad would give us money. We’d be very happy and plan what we’d do with the money.

We’d gather together and have a bowl of Vermicelli, a sweet dish prepared by Mom. This day was full of activities. We’d visit our friends and families. We had to eat more of the same dish everywhere we went.  Mom always cautioned us not to say no.  We’d eat and were afraid we’d be sick.

Back at home, Mom would call us for lunch. We’d enjoy eating ‘Rice Pilaf’, ‘Mutton Korma’, ‘Beef Curry’, “Raita'( yogurt salad), she made vegetable salad with cucumber,tomatoes,onions, green chillies,sprinkled with lemon juice.  We’d thank God before and after for the meals with family and friends.

By seven we’d be in bed fast asleep. Mom couldn’t she served meals to the servants.  She’d finish her night time prayer and then go to sleep.

Those memories are still fresh in my mind as if it happened only yesterday!