KABUL (SW) – As Eid al-Adha approaches, several young people in Kabul city express their excitement to celebrate the occasion in the best possible way alongside friends and family.
In interviews with Salam Watandar, 20 young men and women shared their plans for Eid, with 18 of them highlighting their intentions beyond buying new clothes and purchasing fresh and dried fruits. They also expressed eagerness to perform Eid sacrifices and visit various provinces to meet with friends and relatives.
Sayed Mohibullah, a resident of Kabul, eagerly expresses plans for Eid celebrations by combining sacrificial rituals with outings to recreational spots with friends.
He adds, “During the Eid festivities, there’s a great feeling. On the first day, I will be busy with sacrificial rituals, and on the second day, I will host guests who are coming from abroad. I plan to show them around the city, and on the third day, I will go with my friends to Paghman and Bagh-e Bala (area) for kite flying.”
Masewa Ahmadi, another Kabul resident, has been preparing for Eid for a week, focusing on cleaning and making changes to household items. She shares, “I intend to spend the first two days of Eid at home and the third day visiting relatives and friends. It is a joyful time because we get to see our friends up close during Eid.”
Zohal, another resident of Kabul and a tailor, views Eid as an opportunity to visit friends and relatives. “Eid is coming, and our work increases as it approaches. Sometimes we get tired, but sometimes we feel good because of our work. I plan to relax during Eid because there is a lot of busyness before Eid, and I have less time. Therefore, I try to take some time for myself.”
Liza Omari, working in a visual media outlet, has balanced her Eid preparations with office duties as well. She mentions, “Despite challenges, I have bought Eid clothes, cleaned the house, and prepared Eid fruits. However, I will be at my workplace serving people.”
In addition, some young people in Kabul express their inability to celebrate Eid festivities as they would like due to economic constraints.
Anosh Haidari, a Kabul resident, laments his lack of preparation for Eid due to financial difficulties. He says, “I don’t have any Eid feeling or joy. Due to poverty, we have not been able to buy clothes for Eid, not even a pair of socks. That is why I have no plans for Eid and will stay at home.”
Shamayel Mosavi, another resident of Kabul, echoes similar sentiments, saying, “I don’t have any special plans for this Eid because parks are closed. I will only visit my friends and relatives.”
On the other hand, some psychologists suggest that Eid provides an opportunity for young people to set aside their worries and find motivation in life.
Haibatullah Ebrahimkhil, a psychologist, emphasizes, “We have many youth who suffer from depression, feel hopeless, and face numerous challenges. Eid can positively influence their spirits because despite the existing problems and challenges, buying new clothes or visiting friends can instill positive motivation in them.”
Furthermore, Rashid Sediqi, a social issues expert, supports this perspective by highlighting how celebrating Eid can help expand the social relationships of young people. He adds, “When someone is happy, they tend to expand their relationships and share their happiness with others. There are many reasons for people’s happiness, and one of these reasons is Eid, which fosters happiness and expands relationships among people.”
Afghan citizens celebrate Eid enthusiastically every year. Wearing new clothes, preparing dried and fresh fruits, and hosting guests are traditional customs observed during Eid days.
