Before writing about the pressing issue of bonded labor, let me dedicate this post to one of the most festive times for Muslims: Eidulfitri. After a month of fasting during Ramadhan, we celebrate by performing a mass prayer in the morning and get together with our family and friends after that. We would catch up with each other and eat, a lot. That’s for my family, at least.
I arrived in Lahore, Pakistan, a little less than a month ago. I had the privilege of spending the second week celebrating Eid with Ammar’s family and taking some photos of my experience. Lucky for me, my sister, back home in Singapore, enjoys taking photos too. I thought I could use this post to show you some similarities I learned between the Eid celebration in Singapore and Pakistan through our photos.
1) A Hungry Guest Is an Angry Guest
Nothing says Eid like eating like you have fasted for a whole month. Just like in Singapore, in a typical Pakistani household, the morning of Eid is spent cooking for the countless incoming guests.
Singapore
My mom prepares some Malay dishes before guests arrive. Credit: Nur Munawarah
Pakistan
Ammar’s father waves as he prepares bread at the back of the house.
2) Traditional Clothes Are the Best
Eid fashion is the best. During this time of the year, my family will flaunt the traditional Malay dresses, like baju kurung and kebaya to name a few. Just as back home, the traditional clothes here in Pakistan, shalwar kameez and kurta, are just as beautiful.
Singapore
My cousins in traditional Malay dresses. Credit: Nur Munawarah
Pakistan
Ammar’s sister flaunts her dress.
3) Kids Are Photogenic
Who doesn’t like photos of kids? In traditional clothes? What?!
Singapore
My nephew wonders which one he should snack first. Credit: Nur Munawarah
My niece struts her stuff. Credit: Nur Munawarah
Pakistan
Ammar’s niece gracefully embraces the roads of Lahore.
Ammar’s nephew looks through our soul.
4) Proud of Our Matriarch
My grandmother plays a pivotal role in the family. She brings the family together. Everyone hopes to get her blessings in whatever we intend to pursue. My time with Ammar’s family in Pakistan confirms that his grandmother has a similar role too.
Singapore
My paternal step-grandmother. Credit: Nur Munawarah
My uncle asks for my grandmother’s forgiveness before he leaves. Credit: Nur Munawarah
Pakistan
Ammar’s paternal grandmother.
Ammar’s father poses with his mother.
5) Family. Keluarga. Khandaan.
After all, Eid is about getting our families together, be it in Singapore or Pakistan. Let’s end this post with some family portraits.
Singapore
My uncle with his family. Credit: Nur Munawarah
My cousin with his wife and daughter. Credit: Nur Munawarah
Three generations of inspiring women: mother, grandmother, and sister (left to right) Credit: Nur Munawarah
Pakistan
Ammar’s maternal cousins with their parents.
Ammar’s paternal cousins with their mother.
Ammar’s family, who has been hosting me beyond well.