By: Sana Khan Nadeem

The Hakim family was in wonder whether to purchase buffalo or goats for the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha !. There was not even a single animal they didn’t wish for “online” . Actually, they were searching online for any goat/sheep/buffalo considering the whole big family. What a smart lockdown it happens to be!. Everything has become digitalised. First online classes, then online shopping trended well during lockdown, online grocery especially. And now this online cattle bargaining. Hakim Sahab and his brothers were looking for the best online cattle purchasing site and they digged out an onslaught of such an online business. The kids were excited more as they feel like buying all out of cuteness. Finally, the grandfather decided a buffalo, picking out of 10 , rated 5. The seller of the buffalo noted down the order. Amount was to be given after delivery at home. And phew! What a relief..
This is going to be the first Eid, in Pakistan, where online business would be rated more than face-to-face purchasing of cattles. Eid-ul-Adha is a celebration of love and sharing. It’s a feast of sacrifice. Despite a restricted performance of rituals at Hajj, Muslims never forget to make happiness cherished around. As performing the main ritual of the blessed Eid-ul-Adha is sacrificing the animal but this is the prerogative of the earning families . No doubt Eid-ul-Adha commemorates the pilgrimage of Hajj in very sacred city Makkah. Covid-19 has shorten, The boundaries but couldn’t shrink the gestures, faith, enthusiasm to lose their tracks. Serious part , the SOPs for this Eid-ul-Adha, as will be celebrated without hugging each other after Eid prayers. Muslims must be covered with face masks and shaking of hands are also forbidden. What a pity! But, the care for the needy ones, Poors in the surroundings would not be forgiven.
Interesting part of Eid-ul-Adha is mostly the kids marching road sides and in streets along with their cattle. But, this time, kids would be keeping an eye on their cattle from their windows, doors keeping a distance but luring their cattle. Blessed part of Eid celebrations is visiting kins and acquaintances during Eid holidays, but ah..to pandemic, this ritual seems to be cloudy during this Eid-ul-Adha. And the panic rather terrorized part of Eid-ul-Adha is watching your favourite cattle getting slaughtered In front of you. This Eid, it won’t be possible as due to many SOPs to be followed as per the order of the government. What fun it would be when we won’t be able to arrange a bar-be-cue party at the top of the roof, in an open ground, at friend’s house, and you could only do is to recall your memory. That’s why they say memories are to be cherished.
How can we forget the selfie craving of the scads of people. Whether you are buying any cattle or whether you are in the cattle market just to stroll , selfies used to be the part of the life for the myriads. And lies befits the social media for the stories on hashtag increases your followers, so, posting the selfie with a camel or a buffalo, not compromising on the price, wouldn’t cast much to your pocket but would cast heaps of jealousy to the contemporaries of yours. Vióla..Hold on, you need to sit back this time. No more show offs, no more selfies. Off course, it’s Corona outside. Don’t risk your life merely for a selfie.
Celebrated on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, this three-day festival of joy and sacrifice continued to go long as we enjoy the devouring taste of red meat inculcated with flavours and spices the whole of the month, but hey stop for a while! Excess of red meat as a food may increase risks of certain cancer, heart problems and other health issues. So go with a turtle’s speed. Try to distribute as much amongst the needy people as you can because a food shared is worth than consumed alone. Fear of Corona must not dilute the warmth of your heart and devotion towards the blessed day named Eid-ul-Adha. May we all enjoy our Eid-ul-Adha. Ameen.
Have a happy Eid.