Growing up in an Islamic country in the East, my experience of celebrating Eid throughout my childhood had been quite different from what it looks like now! As a child, I would know Eid was right around the corner when the bazaars roared with hustle and bustle, the roadsides lined up with vendors showcasing their stalls adorned with colourful Churiyan and sparkly Jhumkay, fairy lights twinkled all around the country, and not a plot could be seen without goats and sheep grazing in the grass. As soon as I heard the Baaah of the sheep and the Maaah of the goats, I'd get right into the Eid spirit!
The Eid experience has significantly changed since I moved to Toronto. Without all the telltale signs around me, sometimes it's easy to forget that Eid is even approaching. Over the years I’ve made a conscious effort to ensure I incorporate my fondest childhood traditions and cultural elements I grew up in to make celebrating Eid feel as exciting as it used to when I was a child.
This guide will provide you with ideas and suggestions close to my heart to make your festivities even more memorable.
Choosing What to Wear:
I am my happiest self in my traditional clothes, and choosing what to wear for Eid is always exciting. It's fun to shop for a new outfit, but I've also learned to mix and match existing clothes in the back of my closet to feel festive without feeling wasteful.
Prepare Your Home:
I'd really rather do anything else in the world than clean, but there's nothing like waking up to a nice, neat home on Eid morning. Once your home is clean, add lights, candles, flowers, and lanterns.
Give to Charity:
I think the association of charity with Eid is beautiful. Remember to give in any way you can. If you are unable to partake in Qurbani, try donating clothes, shoes, a meal, or even just your time!
Exchange Gifts:
Who doesn't love a gift? Showing up to someone's home empty-handed on Eid is a big no! Shop our Eid Collection today to find the perfect present to spoil your loved ones. You're sure to drool over our selection of Treat Boxes, Dates, Cupcake Cones, Brownies and of course, Cakes.
Share the Feast:
Eid al-Adha is synonymous with mouthwatering feasts. Use the meat from your qurbani to cook up traditional feast dishes, such as biryani, kebabs, lamb shanks, or korma. Surround yourself with your loved ones and dig in!
Keep Tradition Alive:
Embrace the rich cultural heritage associated with Eid al-Adha by wearing mehndi. It's also a fun activity to come up with creative designs and see who has the steadiest hands to do the best job applying it.
Light candles with traditional scents, incense, or my personal favourite, finding freshly plucked motiya to fill my home with the nostalgic smell of Eid from my childhood.
Eid al-Adha is a beautiful time. May you be surrounded by love, family, and the opportunity to celebrate to your heart's content. Remember to embrace the values of sacrifice, generosity, and love, not just during the celebrations but throughout the year. May this Eid bring you abundant blessings, joy, and peace. Eid Mubarak!