Eid’s Just Round The Corner

In less than a week’s time, all Moslems across the world will get together to celebrate Eid. Whichever way Eid is celebrated, it will still, nonetheless be celebrated differently, according to each Moslem’s customes, yet unique and splendor in its own special way. Over here in Malaysia, what is Eid without Raya songs and firecrackers. Not to mention the large variety of delicacies that are only prepared during the Eid festival like ketupat palas and nasi, lemang and rendang, and so forth.

But somehow I feel that something is missing. I don’t know why. Frankly, I don’t really look forward to this Eid.

I have always enjoyed Eid. When I was little, the excitement that rose whenever Eid was approaching was just so great that I had to contain my excitement level to zero.

When I was a student as well, be it in Malaysia or in the UK, I had actually looked forward to Eid. The thought of coming home for Eid and balik kampong was just exciting. Especially on the eve of Eid where nearly every house that we passed by had ‘pelita’ hung on poles or stilts and you can see lights everywhere in the front yards. The view was just beautiful.

Sadly somehow, that feeling has diminished over the years. I don’t know where it went to. These days I just don’t view Eid as I used to. I wonder myself why I can’t relive all those ‘looking-forward-to-Eid’ feeling like I used to. Is it because I am married now? Is it because I have children? Is it because I am getting older? Is it because I am tired? Is it because both my beloved grandparents have passed on and there’s no kampong to go back to? Is it because my uncles aren’t close as they used to be? Is it because I am all grown-up? Truthfully, I don’t know. I don’t even have the urge to have new baju raya. I will just be wearing last year’s baju. To me, they’re still new so why waste? I only bought new outfits for my children. Somehow I love the notion that they’ll be wearing something new during Eid… yes, even the little one. Ayah has already bought him his first baju melayu.

Thinking of Marsya and Raqib though somehow makes my Eid more meaningful. Marsya already has three pairs of baju kurung courtesy of my Ayah, Maksu and Acik (both are Ibu’s sisters). Raqib only has one pair of baju melayu which I think is enough already considering he’s only four months anyway. Each of them has a few non-baju melayu and kurung to be worn after the first raya, so yeah, I think we’re ok there.

I guess Eid is meant for the young ones. I think they’re the ones who would enjoy Eid. The grown-ups are ok with it. Eid comes, and Eid goes. Everything else remains the same. I think that’s what they feel. I don’t know. That’s what I feel. Yeah it’s nice to visit relatives and old friends, but that’s just it. And of course it’s nice when thinking about the raya goodies. Somehow food during Eid seems to be most delicious. I guess after a month of fasting, any type of food that can be eaten during the day is heaven. Oh well, look at it this way. Eid is a time to gather with our loved ones, to strengthen the bonding and relationship between family members so that we will cherish the memories when we’re old later. After all, no one can take our memories from us.

Thus, I am taking the opportunity to wish everyone here, SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI MAAF ZAHIR DAN BATIN… make the best of this Eid to create fond and wonderful memories; something for later.