Eidi: A tradition wrapped in emotions & nostalgia

LUCKNOW: Hindi writer Munshi Premchand's story "Eidgah" brings forth the tradition and excitement involving "Eidi" - a token gift by elders to children on Eid - with great sensitivity. The story revolves around an orphaned kid Hamid and his grandmother Amina. Hamid gets three paise as "Eidi" from Amina to buy eatables at a fair or take a joyride. But the boy instead brings a pair of tongs, so that Amina's fingers would not burn while cooking chapattis. Though written decades ago, Hamid's poignant act in "Eidgah" still stirs emotions at the mention of Eidi.

The tradition of giving Eidi still continues but has undergone a major change - both in terms of the purchasing power of the elders and expectations of youngsters. So, Faizal, a teenager in the city, is expecting a smartphone and new clothes from his father this Eid. "Last year, father said that I must pass class 10 to be eligible for it (smartphone). This year I'm eagerly awaiting my Eidi," he has told his mother. Faizal's father too has managed his finances to fulfill the promise. Mohd Naeem, a businessman in the Old City, says children are no longer interested in accepting money as Eidi.

"Money woos them only if it is a big amount," says Mohammad Naeem a businessman in Old City.

Nawab Masoom Raza recalled that his father would distribute a wad of Rs 5 as Eidi. "The Rs 5 note was given to anyone who greeted him with "pura salaam" ("as salaam wale kum") and "Eid Mubarak". Raza said his father would immediately reciprocate the gesture by pulling out a note in his distinct style. But since today there are one's own children and those of cousins and guests, people have different preferences for Eidi. Accordingly, most of the elders find gifts a ready option. Chocolates, perhaps, are the most preferred, followed by stationery items and clothes.

Nostalgia about Eidi abounds. A Muslim cleric recalled his father gave him a scooter as Eidi. "I was supposed to share it with my brother. I remember how my father made us follow everything he wanted us for expensive eidi," cleric said. College goer Ali Taabish Nomani says, "Gifts come with a surprise element that gives fillip to festive excitement," he adds.

Munshi Premchand's grandson Vijay Rai still narrates "Eidgah" to neighborhood children and says it is his way of keeping the tradition of Eidi alive. "My effort is to inspire young minds, whose eyes are dazzled by PSP games and smartphones," says Rai. In a similar vein, Imam of Aishbag Eidgah, Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahli, also insists on keeping Eidi away from the material gifts. "The Rs 10 note given by an elder as Eidi should never been seen in terms of its crispness or value, it is a blessing, and blessings are priceless," he said.