It's amazing how the hype for the EID UL ADHA builds up gradually until it reaches its peak . It’s a whole process beginning with the goat and cow shopping, then nurturing them in your backyard, and finally, ending up with the ultimate showdown of sacrificing them. The process brings you to tears because, unknowingly, you have developed a kind of attachment to the living creatures in your backyard in the past few days. But it's soon replaced by the excitement of the delicious meat feasts that await you that day. So, last Eid ul Adha was a traditional and predictably enjoyable event just like many others we had in the past.
The discussion on 'what to sacrifice' had begun at our home months in advance. A goat, a cow or a camel? And how many? We thoroughly enjoyed our discussion and finally agreed upon 2 goats. Then, being smart, we started looking around for healthy goats available at reasonable prices almost a month in advance, just before their prices touched the sky! So, we checked out brown, black and white goats. There, the examination of the teeth really fascinated me...even though they are practically of no use after the slaughter Anyway, we had to spend a week going to markets searching for the goats we would like to buy and then we ended up buying a cute perky dark brown goat, whom my younger brother decided to name as Sam and a black sturdy one who he named as Stone Cold. We rented a pickup, tied them up on it and brought them home. We chose a corner at our lawn where we tied them up with a tree. We were surprised to see them so loud and restless, kicking around and constantly trying to get away. It was like they knew the fate awaiting them. We got a new attraction at home and soon we all got attached to them. It was real fun; playing with Sam and Stone Cold, taking them on walks everyday in the afternoon, buying their feed and feeding them daily. A week before we bought our Eid clothes, the traditional shalwar Qameez along with Khussas and Chapal, we started planning in advance on how to spend the Eid Day. I decided to spend the afternoon with the family and the evening with my friends. We slept early a night before so that we could be up early for the Eid prayer. Finally, on Eid Day, we got up, showered and left for the Mosque in our brand new attires. After the Prayer we wished each other Eid Mubarak and left for home. Since it was time for the slaughter, we changed into our old clothes, so that we wouldn't spoil our Eid clothes with the slaughter process. By the time the butcher arrived to perform the sacrifice, we brought the goats to our front porch for slaughter. On seeing it, my little brother who was very much attached to the goats by then, started to cry. We felt bad for him and discouraged him from watching the slaughter but he wanted to stick around. The whole process went smoothly. The meat was chopped up into pieces and some of the pieces were sent inside immediately to be cooked. After the butcher had completed his work, the meat was divided into three portions. One for the family , one for friends and relatives, and, one for the poor. After a delicious protein enriched breakfast, me and my elder brother set off to distribute the meat. When we got free, we went to our friends places and helped them with the distribution of meat. We were smart enough to be back on time till the afternoon to enjoy the Eid feast that our mum had set up for us. There, our relatives and some close family friends joined us who were already invited over lunch. I enjoyed the mutton biryani, shami kebab and mutton karahi whole heartedly as they had always been my favorite dishes. Afterwards, we all felt quite drowsy and decided to take a quick nap. Upon waking up, we were quite fresh and went ahead as planned for the barbeque, that was to be held on our terrace that evening. I had invited all my friends and was quite excited. I couldn't wait to show my skills as an amazing cook. My barbeque party was a success. The weather was pleasant and I had set up a stereo system to have a good time. Later that evening we hung out till midnight in the living room playing video games, cards, and watching T.V. Then, my friends left happy and thanking me for all the fun. Ah! This was the life! Friends, games, and lots of delicious mouthwatering food... I was also quite pleased but exhausted. So, I could not wait to go to bed. The next day, I woke up with the memories of the previous day which had been totally awesome. I always look forward to this religious traditional celebration because of it’s unique festivity.
Umer Abdus Salam
Sec K
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