Hyderabad: The long weekend of Id-ul-Fitr is ideal for extended families to come together to celebrate the festival.
Many are planning day-long events at home or in resorts so that the entire family can be together instead of going house hopping and meeting people individually.
Saukat Nabi, a senior citizen and retired schoolteacher said, “Both my sons have come after three years during Ramzan Id and we have invited everyone at home. We are having a grand celebration for two days at home where everyone is going to be put up here so that they can have a good time together.”
With families scattered in various cities, it has become a ritual for many to meet up during Id. Like the Bootwala family that has cousins spread all across India.
“Every Id it’s a different location for us and this year being a long weekend, many of the cousins are arriving early on Friday morning to Hyderabad. Over 40 members will be here and we have plans to go to a resort and spend two days together.”
His wife Farida said, “We would always yearn to meet and catch up with our cousins and then we thought what best time than to plan an annual event every Id-ul-Fitr. Despite work commitments, everyone has made it a point to come so far. It not only helps us but also helps our children to bond.”
And this year the number of Id parties are high. Shahbaz Hussain who gives a party every year for Id said, “Id is more of a family gathering where all family members meet up and we have friends coming over. Hence it’s a bonding within one’s own brethren first.”
