s the Eid-ul Fitr sun rises, the city streets are filled with the sound of prayers from nearby mosques and the chatter of well-turned-out namazis rushing to join in. As the daylight broadens, celebrations kick in for their near and dear ones. But for some, Eid is tinged with sadness as they are away for work or studies, and unable to celebrate with their families.

“Eid was always with family,” recalls Shaneela Hayat, a student of mass communication at the University of the Punjab. A native of Gwadar, Hayat has been in Lahore for the past three years to complete her degree. This is her first Eid away from home.

“This year we got fewer holidays, so I could not afford to travel [to Gwadar] which takes a good three days by road,” she tells TNS. “Also, it now costs a lot.

“It’s a strange feeling to be all by yourself on the Eid day,” she sighs. “You’re used to being surrounded by your folks, their laughter and love, especially on such occasions.”

It is little consolation that a number of her hostel fellows who are here from other provinces on quota system, could also not travel to their hometowns because of the paucity of time and lack of finances. And though free video calls have made it easier to stay in touch, those can’t replicate the experience of being there in person.

“I’m already missing the energy of being at home, with my siblings and parents, on Eid,” says Rubina Fazal from Turbat, who is a student of statistics at the PU. “The excitement of waking up early in the morning to the smell of freshly made sweets and the joy that fills the house are unmatched.”

Zohra Ali Jan, a student of psychology, says, “Inflation does not allow us to travel home on Eid.”

All of them agree that they feel a lot more homesick and lonely on Eid than they’d usually do. Also, they can’t know how to spend the Eid day. As Jan says, “I moved to Lahore last year, and the Eid days were the worst to pass.”

Mazahir Ali, from Skardu, says that he may not be with his family on the Eid, but he will still “celebrate [Eid] my way.” He plans to visit a katchi abadi with his friends. “That’s a good way to connect with others and spread joy.”

Another major issue is the meals. “All hostel canteen walas are off for Eid holidays. Our mess is closed too. Everyone’s gone home to celebrate Eid except us,” Jan adds. So, they ordered meals online. “When the rider arrived, he looked sad too. He’s going to be on duty on the Eid day, too.”

Since Eid is about food, new clothes and meeting and greeting your families and friends, Hayat says she bought a new dress for this Eid. Her friends and hostel mates planned to visit a nearby market on Chaand Raat. “But it was tough,” she says. “I missed my parents, my siblings, and my grandparents all the more as we stepped out in the market. I so wished to be with them, like we always did.”

here are others who try to find ways to celebrate the spirit of the Eid nonetheless. Some organise small gatherings of friends or colleagues, while others take the opportunity to volunteer for charity work and help those in need.

Mazahir Ali, from Skardu, says that he may not be with his family on the Eid, but he will still “celebrate [Eid] my way.” He plans to visit a katchi abadi with his friends. “That’s a good way to connect with others and spread joy.”

Ali claims that 200-odd students from Northern Areas are forced to stay back in Lahore because of work.

Hayat has plans to visit the SOS Children’s Village on Eid day, and spend some time with the underprivileged children. “That’s how your own grief is sublimated,” she says. “Besides, it’s a way to give back to the community.”

The writer is a media veteran interested in politics, consumer rights and entrepreneurship