Eid after some 18 years in Bangladesh meant a lot to me. It brought memories of my childhood when I used to go to the “Eidgah” (Eid prayer location usually under open lawn) with my Dad and brothers. Women normally don’t go to the Eidgah in Bangladesh. This time I went to the Gulshan Azad Mosque and Eidgah by myself. It was a cloudy morning with slight drizzle. I took the rickshaw to go to Azad mosque about 5 minutes away from my home. Prayer started on time and the rain started pouring just about the same time. Since I was inside the mosque I don’t know how
people under the open sky managed to pray – it must have been miserable. After Eid prayers there was a short sermon about the sacrifice of Ramadan and the renewal of spirits. As I was walking away expecting to greet some people (it is customary to hug each other on this day) I met one of my school friends after some 25 years! It was quiet a moment. This is the second time that such had happened at this mosque (earlier it was on a Friday during Ramadan). The downpour ended abruptly and we walked to our home with hundred others walking in different pathways. There was a festive mood – children were seen with balloons and festoons hanging on sidewalks. A busy and fun day of meeting our loved ones and having delicious meals just got started which is expected couple of days.