Eidi becoming a costly affair

‘Eidi’ a tradition of elders dishing out a few rupees to the young on Eid-Ul-Fitr has undergone a change as kids now insist on iPods, smart phones and laptop as gifts

Call it changing times, the age-old tradition of giving money to children on Eid-ul-Fitr has changed over the years. ‘Eidi’ a token gift by elders to children on festival day has morphed from a simple handout of a few rupees to costly gadgets. Children no longer are content receiving a 50 rupee note but insist on smart phones, laptops and iPods. “Gone are the days when we were more than happy to receive two rupees and a pat on the back,” reminisces Ali Akbar, a resident of Moghulpura, adding, “today children want the latest gadget in town.”

Mansoor of Purani Haveli in Old City says, “When we were kids, our elders doled out money only after we greeted them properly with a salaam which was followed by a few kind words and promises that we would study well. There was a certain nicety and purity to the whole act. Today commercialisation has even eroded the act of ‘Eidi’. It reflects the times we live in and I am not at all convinced that we are on the right path.”

Chocolates, clothes and goodies are now being replaced with costly gadgets. Yaseen who conducts prayers at the Mahlaqa Chanda Bai Tomb’s mosque in Moula Ali says, “Eidi should not be equated with the high cost of gifts. It should be seen as blessings from elders and children too should be educated not to insist on costly items.”

Old timers blame the younger generation for diluting the tradition by succumbing to the demands of the young. Saleem, a student of a madrasa in Chandrayangutta says, “One should view ‘Eidi’ just as a blessing by the elders and children should accept whatever is given. Eidi essentially is a tradition to encourage children to take up fasting as they grow up and to absorb the good things that the religion teaches.”