TRRRING, trrring…. I woke up instantly. Hopping out of bed, I hit snooze on my alarm clock, and almost tripped in my hurry to reach my wardrobe. Pushing it open, I smiled as I took in the pleasing sight of my glamorous dress, which I had chosen after no less than three trips to the shopping mall. Placed next to it were my shining bangles and gleaming high heels.

To my delight, I discovered that the henna I had applied the night before was rich and dark in colour. The intricate designs looked wonderful. Raising my hands to my nose, I inhaled deeply, savouring that unique smell of henna, which is symbolic of happy occasions.

Yes, ‘Eid’ had finally arrived.

I rushed off to get ready. After taming my curly hair into a side fish-braid, I hurriedly applied some makeup: a dash of peachy lip-gloss here, a coat of mascara there. The bangles jangled merrily as I put them on.

Teetering slightly in my stilettos, I went down the flight of stairs quickly, eager to see my parents. As usual, they went overboard with their compliments. I had to laugh at their exaggeration. Parents, they try so hard to please us. Little do they know that their very presence is a source of endless happiness and comfort to us. I hugged them, trying to convey my gratitude, and greeted them with a loud “Eid Mubarak”.

Then, thinking they would want to hear it, I told them how much I loved them. That immediately earned me my ‘Eidi’. I couldn’t help thinking how parents can’t take anything without giving you something in return. I vowed to be more appreciative of them in the future.

Out of all occasions, Eid-ul-Fitr is my absolute favourite. It seems to breed positivity and affection. Eid is an auspicious occasion that radiates kindness, and a warm glow of friendship and kinship. I love the traditions that characterise Eid.

After a month of fasting, and practicing rigid discipline and incredible self-control, Muslims around the world celebrate the reward of their hard work in the form of Eid. Girls don fancy, colourful clothes, while boys wear traditional embroidered ‘kurtas’. Strangers embrace each other, gifts are exchanged, delicious delicacies and desserts are prepared, social gatherings are hosted and guests are invited over for meals.

Truly, the spirit of festivity and joy can be felt lingering in the air, as everyone forgets their worries, puts aside their differences and comes together in a spectacular show of unity to enjoy the blessings and delights that Eid brings.

What I find particularly remarkable is the way everyone seems to be so reaching out to others. People donate money, clothes, food, amidst other essentials, to charity organisations generously, both during Ramzan and on Eid. The rich and the poor offer the Eid prayer side-by-side, shoulder-to-shoulder, in the neighbourhood mosque. There are no distinctions made, no special treatments reserved for the more affluent. As was made evident by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), everyone is equal to Almighty Allah except those who surpass others in matters of piety and good action. The principle of this Hadith is observed in action on Eid and all prayers in general.

However, in order to feel the true essence of Ramazan and Eid, we must ensure that we retain all the good habits we acquired during Ramazan and put them into practice for the rest of the year. Patience and tolerance should be inculcated in us thoroughly.

Is the traffic signal still yellow? Be patient, wait a few more seconds and drive only when it turns green. If you are tempted to lie to your teacher about why you didn’t complete your homework, just remind yourself that one lie leads to more lies, and that lying is a deplorable act.

Above all, we should always be aware of the troubles and hardships of the less privileged. The purpose of fasting is to feel the plight and suffering of the poor. We go without food from morning till dusk during just one month of Ramazan; for some it is a daily routine.

There are many children out there who don’t have any shelter and have to sleep on the pavement. There are more who have to skip meals and drink dirty, unhygienic water. There are children who lack garments. There are parents who starve just to feed their kids. There are patients who don’t have money for treatment and medication. All these are the unfortunate ones who need our help around the year. Does your maid have children who don’t go to school? Spare some time from your schedule and teach them how to read. They will be thrilled to be able to read books.

For a better society, let’s start by bringing small changes in the lives of others by making an effort to help them. Who says Eid comes twice every year? Let’s transform ordinary days into mini versions of Eid so that every day is an occasion for people to celebrate. Cheers!