December 11, 2003

Eid, one of the most important events of the Muslim community, was celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm around the world. People in Pakistan too celebrated Eid with much fervour, and one scene in Karachi, particularly bore testament to this.

Hill Park is one of the most frequently visited places in Karachi where every day, and especially on weekends, thousands of people flock for recreational purposes.

However, during the Eid holidays every year, for the past 16 years, thousands of people from the Frontier province who are of every age group, gather here to enjoy the day with their relatives and friends.

Since most of them are in Karachi because they are working here, so being at Hill Park gives them a chance to celebrate, and forget the sadness of being away from their loved ones.

From nine in the morning to dusk every night for three days, scores of people arrive in trucks and buses from all over the city to partake in the various activities. People dance to the noisy beat of the drums; each group performs their local dance customs.

Another interesting sight to watch is a game called agay jang (egg fight). This game involves colourful boiled eggs which are used as bait; the hardness of the eggs is first checked by knocking them against the teeth, once the opponents are satisfied with the consistency of the eggs, each holds one in his fist.

The contest begins when the eggs are tapped against each other. Whoever’s egg breaks first is declared the loser, who must then pay for the egg. Needless to say both participants enjoy the contest tremendously.

Another game is the ring game. A ring holder tries to “catch” various items like cigarette packs, lighters, sweet candy packs and perfumes using a large ring. People also try their luck at various lotteries set up in the area, in the hope that they may win something precious.

Then there’s a host of items for sale, especially food. The traditional halwa known as waresha, a hot dessert, is quite a favourite here.

The festival brings happiness not only for the participants, but also a number of sellers of food items — dry fruits vendors, boiled eggs sellers, Bar-B-Q items, green and black tea stall owners, and many others who enjoy themselves and make a handsome amount from their brisk businesses.

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