Effort to re-vitalize old tradition by presenting physical Eid cards to loved ones.
On this Eid I decided to give re-birth to our old tradition of exchanging eid greeting cards. To materialize my idea, I wrote down the names of people to whom I wished to visit personally and to present Eid Card on that great occasion of Eid. Well, I opted a few people only, it won’t be wrong if I say them some special people to whom I believe that they would respect the feelings and give importance to the idea behind.
In my initiation, I included the names of my two sisters, a friend, and some senior relations for this purpose and just a couple of days before Eid, I went out to the whole sellers paper market to purchase eid greeting cards. I was assuming that there would be a huge variety of items and I would find it difficult to choose best among them. But the picture was totally opposite to my thoughts. It was very much disappointing, even dis-heartening that the market had hardly anything to offer as Eid exclusive except some red colored “Love You ” & “Miss you” cards with broken heart images.
After an hour or so I returned back with nothing. Meanwhile, I was discussing with my friend about old days when we used to exchange number of eid and post cards among friends and family. Even we wrote innocent and funny verses on them like.
1. Dabbay mein Dabba, Dabbay mein Cake
Mera Dost Lakhon mein Ek
2. Garam Garam Roti, Tori nahi Jati,
Imran (name of my childhood friend) se dosti chori nahi jati
On my way back I stopped at a retailer book store and attempted my last try. Even he got the same “Zakhmi Dil” collection. Finally, I found only 2 designs that seems to be presentable to younger and seniors both in my list. Having no other available options, I selected them right away. Bookseller, who seems to be around 50 years old was also found expressing his regrets over the situation.
Ajkal koi Eid Cards khareedne hi nahi ata ..
Phichle saal ka stock bhi nahi bik saka tha
(No one come to buy Eid cards now, even last’s year stock is still unsold)
Truly speaking when I presented these cards, I received so much appreciation and everyone went back 20 years discussing the charm and special activity involved in such greeting exchanges over Eid and other festivals. I got to know stories by one of my Uncle that before this instant Email and SMS era; Pakistan Post Office used to announce a closing date of Eid letters and cards receiving. If they were late due to some reasons they have to make special requests and buttering Post Office staff.
Crux
Sometimes when a man recalls the good old days, he’s really thinking of his unpleasant young days. Don’t feel anything missed or past; you can even re-create the same scenarios of joy and happiness.
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