It’s time for Id again, and the Muslim populace in Mumbai are busy with the festivities. We find out what the festival means to some of the more prominent members of society in Mumbai and how they will celebrate it. We also ask them about their fondest memories of Id.
Shama Sikander and James Milliron, actor and model
We celebrate Id with our family and closest friends. We organise a small gathering at home where all my family and friends are invited, and we eat scrumptious biryani, kebabs and sheer kurma. Id is the most awaited festival in the family as we look forward to the meals cooked by my mother and bhabhi. This time we are having a potluck and all my friends are getting delicious delicacies of their choice.
Sana Khan, actor
Sana Khan, actor
I celebrate Id with family and friends. Every year I call my close friends and family home. On Monday, I’ll be going to Haji Ali for blessings and will be distributing food to the needy. I have bought gifts for the entire family and will be gifting my mother some traditional stuff and herbal goodies. Our extended families will also visit our home on Monday, and around 100 of us will celebrate Id. This is a very important festival for us and is a chance to forgive and forget and start afresh.
Shabina Khan, Choreographer with husband
Shabina Khan, Choreographer
I remember as a kid, I was crazy about wearing good traditional clothes. As it is chand raat on Sunday, we put mehandi, and all the preparations are done by day to celebrate. On this day all men go to the mosque for namaz and women do the same at home. My best memory about Id is about eidy, which I used to get from my family. This year Id is more special because of the release of Tubelight.
Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan
Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan
As a kid, I remember how festivals were all about innocence and integrity and the whole area would be enjoying irrespective of whose festival it was, and it was like a fair. I went to Jama Masjid along with my father and brothers for Id namaz, and after the namaz, we would get eidy not only from our parents and relatives but also from the parents of our friends. The way people celebrated Id in the earlier days is a lot different from how we celebrate the occasion today. Earlier Id used to be more of a community affair. Now, the whole neighbourhood gets together to celebrate the festival.
