UNLIKE previous years, Eid celebrations were in a much lower key this year because of the circumstances prevailing in the country, namely the pandemic and the PIA plane crash which killed 97 people. Although for once the entire country celebrated Eid on the same day was a blessing.

The people of Khyber Pukhunkhwa also celebrated Eid with simplicity and mostly stayed away from Eid Milan parties or any other festivities in the province. The elected representatives and other dignitaries followed the provincial government SOPs and did not mingle with people.

In Buner district it is a tradition that people visit the guest houses of political leaders to exchange Eid greetings. This time this practice was not witnessed anywhere in the district. The same is the case with other districts of Malakand division where no such activity was reported.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had also banned the intra-district movement of tourists throughout the province.

The unfortunate part is that the people did not follow the SOPs laid down by the government. Citizens embraced each other to exchange Eid greetings and shook hands with one another in streets and bazaars. Many were found roaming without the mandatory face mask. The people were happy that there was no loadshedding in the entire month of Ramazan and during the Eid holidays.

This Eid was also unique in the sense that that there was no display of the customary aerial firing. To ensure this, police department officials just before the advent of Eid held liaison meetings with people in every district to ensure the people complied amicably.

One should not forget to mention the large-scale distribution of charity by the rich and affluent. They extended maximum financial help and support to the poorer segments of society. In short a spirit of brotherhood and unity was seen in abundance in the province.

Shaukat Hayat
Buner District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2020