Eid Beyond Indulgence: Rediscovering Simplicity and True Essence

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On the occasion of Eid, some food items gain special importance and a central place in the dining rooms of Kashmiris. The most commonly used items are meat especially chicken and fish while bakery items like cookies, biscuits, cakes, pastries, and traditional breads also hold significant importance during Eid and similar festive occasions.

It is estimated that more than ₹8000 crore was transacted through local banks just a couple of days before Eid here in the valley. A major portion of this spending is likely directed towards bakery and meat items, which clearly reflects how important these foods have become for us during such celebrations.

No doubt, both categories of food can be harmful if consumed in excess, yet people do not seem to move away from them. In fact, they have become almost inseparable from festival days. While purchasing these items during Eid does help circulate money that would otherwise remain idle in bank accounts, it also has certain negative effects especially on health when consumed excessively. However, people often overlook this aspect.

In Kashmir, the focus has increasingly shifted towards consuming these items, even though Eid can be celebrated meaningfully without them. Eid is about gratitude, togetherness, charity and being compassionate about the poor. Its true essence can be fulfilled without indulgence in excessive food. People have given importance to these items and now eid feels incomplete to many without these items.

What many fail to realize is that the health benefits gained during the fasting days of Ramadan can be quickly lost due to unhealthy eating habits during just a few days of Eid. Celebrating Eid in a simple way is not a bad idea,rather, simplicity helps limit excessive consumption and helps maintain good health.

For instance, I personally consumed very little sugar throughout the 30 days of Ramadan. However, during Eid, just a few items ended up containing more sugar than I had consumed during the entire month. This is something we often ignore, but it deserves serious attention.

There is a reason why we are always advised to celebrate in a simple way,it helps us preserve both the spiritual and physical gains of Ramadan while keeping the true essence of Eid alive.