My First Eid as a Father of Three: A Celebration to Remember

(2 mins read)

This Eid was a little different. For the first time, I didn’t travel to Kolkata, the place where Eid always feels the most real. My parents, younger siblings, in-laws, and so many friends are all there. Every year, it’s the same: hugs, laughter, home-cooked food, and the warmth of being home.

I’ve lived in Hyderabad for nine years, but only twice have I celebrated Eid here; once during the pandemic, and now, this year. At first, I was worried - would Eid feel empty without the chaos of our big family in Kolkata? But Hyderabad surprised me. 

The city I’ve called home for nearly a decade finally felt like home on Eid. This year, Hyderabad wasn’t just where we lived—it became our home away from home. I celebrated Eid with my wife and our three kids. The youngest is just 10 months old, the other two full of energy at 7.5 and 3.5 years. It was our first Eid as a family of five. And somehow, that made it special.

Friends from our apartment came together with their families. We hugged, smiled, exchanged Eidis, and shared delicious food. The kids ran around happily, dressed in their new and bright Eid clothes, excited with every sweet and every smile.

Decorated my home

 

The youngest one is missing. And I realize it now that in the midst of enjoyment and meet-ups we forgot to click a full family pic on Eid.

Did I miss Kolkata? Of course. My parents’ voices on video calls made my throat ache. Kolkata is my roots, always will be. But this Eid, Hyderabad gave me wings.

Because happiness was right here. In my kids’ giggles. In friends who feel like family. In those quiet, grateful moments between spoonful of sheer khurma. Here’s to more Eids like this — full of warmth, love, and memories made at home, wherever that may be.