Dubai's Muslim expats get nostalgic about Eid back home

Away from home, they recount their fondest Eid memories

Dubai is truly a melting pot of different cultures as people from over 200 nationalities ring in the Eid Al Fitr celebrations today.
These millions of expats have made the UAE their home and celebrate Eid with equal fervour here. But Eid celebrations evoke nostalgia in many of them as they recount memories from the revelries back home.
Khaleej Times spoke to four Muslim expats to know what their most-treasured Eid memories are:
1. Nikhat Khan
Nationality: Indian

"Celebrating Eid back home is a grand affair. Preparations start well in advance and the celebrations last almost a week. It's more fun back home as we get to meet the extended family too."
"We used to look forward to visit our relatives as we got to taste a variety of dishes and cuisines made. I remember waking up early with my mother and sister for early morning prayers at home, while the men went to mosques for theirs. The prayers were then followed by the traditional breakfast 'Sheer Khurma' - a preparation of milk and dried fruits along with vermicelli.
The main highlight also has to be the Eidi we used to get as token of love from the elders. Many visited the graves of the lost family members to remember them during the auspicious day. Giving fitra (charity) before the Eid prayers is also a custom followed by many."
What are they doing today? Although Nikhat is in Dubai for the past 7 years, her mother sends clothes for both her sons every Eid. The clothes come wrapped with blessings and love for the Dubai-born grandchildren.

2. Salma Shahid
Nationality: Pakistani
"Times have changed but nothing can replace the enthusiasm we felt as children on the streets of Peshawar, gathering to spot the moon. We would watch the sky with bated breath. A loud cheer would follow once the moon was sighted."
"On the day of Eid, we used to dress in our new clothes with jewellery, put on henna on our palm and step out to greet our friends and relatives in the neighbourhood. We used to set out to collect Eidi from elders and slowly our pockets will be full of money we have collected during the day. The landlines used to ring with relatives calling in to wish Eid Mubarak - which have today been replaced with Facebook and WhatsApp."
What are they doing today? Salma, with the help of her sisters, is cooking a daawat for 20 people at her home in Jumeirah Beach.

3. Marwa Youssef
Nationality: Egyptian
"In our home country, celebrations start from Ramadan. Once Ramadan starts, we start by decorating the side street trees near our home. The tradition of iftar cannon firing to be blown by the soldiers originated in Egypt as far back as 10th century and it has now being adapted by many countries, including the UAE."
"I remember, we used to start making lots of sweets on our iftar, buy new pyjamas, wear new clothes or kandura for prayers and after coming home wear new clothes again. One of the customs is having Kaak - a form of cookies for breakfast."
"Bursting fireworks on the streets of Egypt is what we miss the most in UAE. As children, we used to burst crackers on the side of the streets - something that's not possible in Dubai."
What are they doing today? Marwa has been in Dubai for 12 years and has introduced all the Egyptian customs to her three children.

4. Shazia Khan
Nationality: Indian (Kashmir)
"In Dubai, the day of Eid is mostly spent going for dinner or with friends at home. Back home, we have large gatherings and meeting with family, friends and relatives. The celebrations last about three days in the valley.
"One of my fondest memories is of the traditional cuisine 'Wazwan', meat-based dishes cooked by the chefs called 'waz'. Wazwan is cooked on firewood as it adds to the taste and chefs comes home to make the ceremonial feast. We can't cook Wazwan in Dubai."
What are they doing today? Shazia is lucky to be in Kashmir this year, thanks for a family function and will be relishing the Wazwan at home.
Some names have been changed as per request.
anita@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai