This year started off rocky, with a worldwide pandemic, the Covid-19, that put the world in total disarray. Countries and borders are on lockdown, economies are facing recessions, tourism practically non-existent and everyone's lives are put on hold. Although the global interconnectivity and the ease of movement worldwide are generally seen as a triumphant achievement of mankind in this time and age, it is these very accomplishments that brought about our own downfall during this pandemic.
Nevertheless, it has taken a very long time for this pandemic to get under control, relatively I say. There is still a long way to go as to when life will hopefully resume like before, or a new normal will be established, but things are looking up so far in most places. However, recovery is not fast enough in some countries like my home country, Singapore, and as a result, this year, Eid Al-Fitr, a religious holiday celebrated by the Muslim community worldwide, was put on hold. Commonly known as "Hari Raya Aidilfitri" in the local tongue of Malay, the Eid celebrations was suspended as the country is still under strict quarantine measures, or as they call it "Circuit Breaker", to curb the sudden influx of Covid-19 cases. Eid festivities are usually marked by family and friends visiting each other's houses, indulging in food and drinks. However, since it is impossible to do so because of the quarantine measures, I think I can say for the majority of the people celebrating Eid in Singapore that this year's Eid has come to be more solemn and not as joyous and lively as it always was.
Although this Covid-19 pandemic has somewhat dampened the Eid spirit, it was absolutely heartwarming to see that people are not letting themselves get bogged down by the current situation and actually overcame this hurdle. Family and friends turn to technology and have mass video-conferences using platforms like Zoom with their relatives and friends so that they can still see each other on Eid just like they normally would, even though virtually. They would still cook their favourite Eid dishes, decorate their houses and don their best Eid outfits. On top of that, they still continue to try and help the less fortunate however they can to spread they joy. The giving never stops. I truly admire the Muslim community's unyielding enthusiasm to keep the Eid traditions alive despite the constraints during these troubling times.
Because of the amazing time that I get to spend time with my insanely large family, catch up with my friends and eat loads of finger-licking food, it was heartbreaking for me that this year I would have to give all these a miss as I could not fly back home. I would be lying if I said no tears were shed and I am not embarrassed to confess that even. Everyone deserves the right to feel how they feel and should never be ashamed of it right? I think it is healthy to fully embrace it instead, the good and the bad. Anyway, as I have always been surrounded by people on Eid, being very far away from my loved ones and still having to go through self-quarantine in Japan alone, the feeling of isolation and solitude hits harder. Even as I am writing this and recounting my feelings, I still get a little choked up. Having this much alone time, you tend to reflect a lot and assess what you value the most in life and it just further reaffirms how much my family plays such an important role to me. Although it may be tough having to spend Eid alone in a foreign land, I am glad I can still count my blessings for I am able to call home easily, have a roof over my head and food in my belly. Many, however, are not as fortunate and my prayers go out to them.
As such, this year's Eid, and even Ramadan, has been such a humbling and enlightening experience personally. I am glad I could still catch up with family, relatives and friends and am looking forward to more. It helps to miss them a little less. I hope that all of us will emerge from this world crisis bursting with a renewed vigour to take on the world and have everything back to normal so that we can lead our lives like we used to or even better. And also that we realise the true value of kinship and friendship from this year's unusual Eid celebration and not take things for granted because you never know what else is around the corner *touch wood*.
To mark my first year spending Eid away from home, I put together a short vlog of my Eid celebration which I hopefully can look back one day. Hope you enjoy watching it, and Eid Mubarak!
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