Mixed feelings of daily wage-earners on Eid

Rawalpindi: The three-day Eidul Fitr holidays came as a big breathing space and proved to be a much-needed break for Rawalpindi daily wage-earners. While a lot of them were thrilled to have a good time on the Eid days with their friends, some were sad as they missed their family.

“I am hundreds of kilometers away from my family and loved ones and whatever I earn, I send to them. I dress up in the simplest outfit,” says Ali Murtaza from Raja Bazaar.

“I wanted to get bed rest during these holidays, so I slept undisturbed as there was no worry to get up early to go to routine work. I have been working all year long under all kinds of weather, therefore it is my right to enjoy the Eid holidays the way I like,” says Reza Zaidi, a construction worker. 

Alamdar Hussain, another laborer from Mareer Hasan, says: “I earn not a good amount of money so I couldn’t save much to have travel expenses. That’s why I decided to stay in the city and spend Eid days with my friends. Eid holidays came as a blessing. I’m happy I got the desired break to enjoy myself. I wanted to look fine on Eid days, and go out with my friends,” he said.

“I went to see movie released at a local cinema on Eid day with my friends. The refreshment there during interval time was affordable for me. We had excellent time with each other and that was really satisfying,” adds Alamdar.

“Eidul Fitr is always an occasion I get pleasure from. This year also I took pleasure in Eid holidays.  I wish my wife and kids were here to share with me the excitement of Eid. I can’t tell you how I miss them. Maybe next year we will be spending Eid together and they’ll be here by my side,” says Nemat Hasan, a daily laborer from Committee Chowk.

Imdad Hussain, a male servant from Sindh says: “I spent the first day of my Eid to make up for lack of good sleep during working days after coming from the mosque for the Eid prayers. On the second day of Eid I went to Islamabad by a wagon with my friends to see some important places. The third day we visited each other’s place of residence and enjoyed eating breakfast, lunch and dinner together.”

“My favorite component of Eid is going for the prayer. I woke up early, got dressed, ate dessert prior to the Eid prayer sent by the neighbor and headed towards mosque. I prayed and met new people. I made new friends. It reminded me of how it was back in my village,” says Mureed Hussain from Tipu Road.

Fida Hasan, also a daily wage-earner, says: “I never like going to my family home every year as I am in this city to earn some money for my family to send them every second month. So I try to save some amount by avoiding travel ling too often in order to see them. I prefer living here and earning something. The entire year is constantly so restless so staying here and taking rest re-energizes me to restart my labor with vigor.”

“I always spend less on myself. The aim is to save some money to send back home.  I try to kill my desires to keep my family happy,” says Rafiq Haider from Sir Syed Chowk.

Article source: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/213447-Mixed-feelings-of-daily-wage-earners-on-Eid