The practice of sending out Eid cards to loved ones and friends has diminished over the years. PHOTO: EXPRESS
RAWALPINDI:
The tradition of sending Eid cards, which began in the 19th century, has been consumed by modern technology.
Eid cards were not merely greeting cards. They carried timeless affection and sincerity for loved ones living miles away who eagerly waited for them during Eid.
Often, when Eid cards were opened, one-rupee, five-rupee or ten-rupee notes hidden inside would fall out, doubling the joy of Eid. Many families even displayed these cards in their drawing rooms throughout the year.
Different types of Eid cards were available for children, friends and classmates, humorous cards, film-themed cards, sports cards, and cards carrying religious verses and sayings. Hundreds of designs existed, and love-filled cards were in abundance.
While relatives waited eagerly for Eid cards, the postman too delivered them with special care early on Eid morning, receiving generous Eid gifts in return.
Although wealthy Muslim families had been sending decorative calligraphy messages for centuries, the large-scale availability of Eid cards and their circulation through the postal system began in the late 19th century.
When railways were introduced in India, their network initially covered only 34 kilometres but expanded to 25,000 kilometres by 1880.
With the spread of railways, people began travelling farther from home for work and business. The postal system improved, and new printing facilities enhanced the quality and availability of Eid cards.
As soon as the month of Ramazan began, special Eid card stalls would appear in markets. People would try to purchase unique cards and write Eid-related poetry in beautiful handwriting on them. Young people often wrote humorous verses. Some poems became so popular that they appeared on Eid cards for years.
Saving pocket money to buy Eid cards from the market was itself a cherished ritual. Cards were selected according to the age and relationship of each recipient. Writing poetry and heartfelt messages on the cards was considered an art.
Early Eid cards were essentially European Christmas cards that were modified through printing or handwriting to suit Eid greetings. Later they spread across the world.
Families eagerly waited for Eid cards from both within the country and abroad. Within households, separate cards would arrive for elders, sisters and daughters. Cash gifts were cleverly hidden inside many cards.
During the last week of Ramazan, as soon as the postman appeared in the distance, children and families would run to him hoping for Eid cards. If he said there was no card for them, disappointment would follow, while those who received cards were envied.
Shopkeepers displayed Eid cards beautifully in their stores, ranging from simple cards to expensive decorated and designer cards.
Today, modern technology has erased much of this tradition. Families say affection has been replaced with quick messages. People now simply send Eid greetings through WhatsApp or Instagram, completing the ritual without the warmth, love or dedication once associated with it.
Eid greetings, they say, have now become merely a worldly formality. Earlier there was affection and devotion; now it is just a ritual.
The Eid card season during Ramazan also provided employment opportunities. Government employees would work their regular jobs in the morning and sell Eid cards in markets during the evening to earn additional income.
Seventy-eight-year-old Qaiser Shah said sending Eid cards to friends and loved ones during Ramadan was once a cherished pastime in his childhood and youth.
