The smell of Eid wafts through the memory lanes

One more day of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan and the much-awaited Eid Al Fitr dawns on us. A whiff of childhood memories wafts in- new dresses, Seviyan Kheer (Vermicelli Kheer), motichoor laddus, delicious aroma of mutton biriyani on the stove, ‘Eidiyah’ and goody bags.

It is said that the sense of smell is our longest memory, it can take you back in time to that moment and place in an instant. I can almost smell my dad’s perfume while walking to the ‘Eidgah’ even today. It's been more than 30 years since he passed away, but the light of love has a way of slipping through the cracks of time and nudging one down the path of reminiscence.

Eid was always a time we looked forward to in our childhood. There was always the hassle the night before Eid, the thrill of hearing Eid Al Fitr's Takbir, and the last-minute preparations after a month of fasting. Henna designs for the palms had to be finalized, embroidered garments had to be collected and matching bangles and earrings had to be arranged.

Even without sleeping a wink in the night, we would wake up like energy balls full of excitement to wear the new dress, walk to the mosque for Eid prayers in congregation, receive the Eidiyah and meet our cousins and friends.

The rest of the day is spent in a state of excitement, with gatherings at homes, parks, or unwinding at the malls. Eid is truly magical as it creates memories of traditions and customs of celebrations with families. There is love and serenity in shared moments of spirituality, warmth and compassion.

Eid continues to be a momentous occasion in the United Arab Emirates. It's almost always a long weekend followed by a week of festivities. Eid is a time of joy and blessing for the entire community, as well as a time to give away one's wealth.

The UAE is a country that genuinely epitomizes the festive spirit; residents from all over the world look forward to the holiday season in this country. Due to generous contributions from the UAE's authorities, institutions, enterprises, merchants, and 320,000 individuals, the UAE's 1 billion meal campaign during Ramadan surpassed its goal well ahead of schedule.

People of the UAE are generous and are keen to share the responsibility they have towards fellow human beings. This spirit is rampant in all facets of life across the country regardless of faith, wealth, or position.

Eidiyah is the sweetest memory I have of childhood delight! It’s probably when you are five or six, that you get the first taste of money management on an Eid day. Each elder is an opportunity to get more Eidiyah. Some years, the money would be saved in a tiny purse, but some years, everything would be gone the same day!

The essence of Ramadan lingers with us for the rest of the year, providing a spiritually enriching experience! At the end of the holy month of fasting, comes bounty in the form of Eid to last us for a year till next Ramadan, InshaAllah.

The waxing and waning

A regular moon, shining

In Synodic regularity, ordinary

Yet there is a beauty

A buzz in today,

For we see differently

The same moon, the same sight

That Spells a change so bright

And Wishing us

Eid Mubarak

Feby Imthias is a writer based in Abu Dhabi and author of the book, Children of the Sun, Sand and Seas. Twitter: @Feby_Imthias