Beauty and Faith Within – Celebrating Eid And The Bonds That Unite India
This Eid-ul-Fitr, as the crescent moon ushered in a day of celebration on March 31, 2025, my phone buzzed with messages that transformed a festive day into something truly extraordinary.
“Eid Mubarak!” they chimed, one after another, from friends near and far. Among them were hundreds of greetings from my Hindu friends—thoughtful, heartfelt wishes that warmed my soul. As someone who often sends them good tidings during Diwali, Holi, or Navratri, I felt a deep joy seeing the gesture returned. Yet, this simple act of exchanging festive wishes has drawn criticism. I’ve been chided for posting greetings on their festivals, accused of diluting my identity or pandering to others. But isn’t this what these days are for—harmony, peace, and love? In a world fractured by division, a humble “Happy Eid” or “Happy Diwali” can bridge gaps, spark emotions, and forge bonds that transcend faith.
Affection Across Faiths
Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, is a time of gratitude, forgiveness, and community. This year, the celebration carried an extra layer of meaning for me. A friend, Priya, texted, “Eid Mubarak, my dear! May your day be filled with sweets and smiles!” Another, Rohan, wrote, “Wishing you peace and joy on Eid—enjoy the biryani!” These weren’t just words; they were threads weaving our lives closer. I’ve always believed festivals are invitations to share joy, not confined to one community. When I post “Happy Holi” on X or send a WhatsApp message for Raksha Bandhan, I’m not abandoning my Muslim identity—I’m embracing a shared humanity.
The goodwill extended beyond personal circles. Rajni, my dear “Baji,” sent a touching message: “Bhai, I wish you and your loved ones a happy and blessed Eid. 🌸🙏” Her words, adorned with floral emojis, carried the warmth of sisterly affection across faiths. Vijay Kumar, Special Commissioner of Police, Delhi Police, New Delhi, added his own flair: “Eid Mubarak 💐🎂🎁.”
Coming from a senior IPS officer, this gesture underscored how unity transcends rank and religion. Then there was Abhijeet Jasrotia, a BJP leader and my friend, who sent a beautiful greeting card brimming with Eid wishes—vibrant colors and elegant script that radiated festivity and camaraderie. These messages, personal and public, painted a vivid picture of inclusivity. In Jaipur, Hindus showered flower petals on Muslims celebrating Eid. The video went viral on social media.
The Backlash I Have Faced
Yet, the backlash I’ve faced tells a different story. “Why do you wish them on their festivals?” a relative once snapped. “It’s not our tradition.” On X, a user replied to my Diwali post with, “Stick to your own celebrations—don’t blur the lines.” The criticism stings, but it perplexes me. Are we so fragile that a gesture of goodwill threatens our roots? History offers a rebuttal. In India, festivals have long been a tapestry of coexistence. Mughal emperor Akbar celebrated Diwali with his Hindu subjects, while today, neighborhoods see Muslims distributing sweets during Diwali and Hindus joining Eid feasts. These acts don’t erase differences—they honor them.
Spirit Of Unity Shines
This Eid, the spirit of unity shone through in real-time examples. In Delhi’s Jama Masjid, as thousands gathered for prayers, Hindu volunteers handed out water and dates to worshippers breaking their fast—a scene shared widely on X. One post by @RaviSharma, a Delhi-based journalist, read: “At Jama Masjid today, saw Hindu brothers helping with Eid prayers. This is the India I love. #EidMubarak.” It garnered over 10,000 likes, reflecting its resonance. In Mumbai’s Juma Masjid Mahim Dargah, interfaith prayers united people of all backgrounds, a snapshot of harmony amid a bustling city.
Faith isn’t a zero-sum game. My Islam isn’t weakened by Vijay Kumar’s emojis, Rajni’s blessings, or Abhijeet’s card-it’s enriched by the love that flows back
VIPs on X amplified this sentiment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on March 30, 2025: “Greetings on Eid-ul-Fitr. May this festival enhance the spirit of hope, harmony and kindness in our society. Eid Mubarak.” His words, viewed by millions, framed Eid as a collective celebration. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi added, “Eid Mubarak! May this joyous occasion bring peace, happiness, prosperity, and good health to you and your loved ones.” These messages weren’t platitudes—they were calls to embrace the festival’s essence beyond religious lines.
A Wish Isn’t A Conversion, It’s A Conversation
Critics, though, remain vocal. Some argue that exchanging wishes risks cultural appropriation or undermines religious purity. But this misses the point. A wish isn’t a conversion; it’s a conversation. When Abhijeet sent his stunning Eid card, he wasn’t claiming Islam—he was celebrating with me. When I wish him “Happy Ganesh Chaturthi,” I’m not worshipping Ganesha—I’m honoring his joy. This exchange is a journey through emotions, a small but potent act of empathy. Studies, like one from the Pew Research Center in 2023, show that interfaith interactions reduce prejudice and build trust. A festive greeting might be the first step.
Laddoos And Sheer Khurma
Take Sanjay and Ayesha, neighbors in Bengaluru. Sanjay, a Hindu, has joined Ayesha’s family for Eid festivities for years, just as she lights diyas with his kids during Diwali. “It’s not about religion,” Sanjay told me. “It’s about friendship.” This year, Ayesha posted a photo of their Eid meal on X: “Sanjay brought laddoos, I made sheer khurma. #EidMubarak to all!” It went viral, with @NehaKapur replying, “This is what festivals should be—love over labels.”
Faith Isn’t A Zero-Sum Game
The beauty lies in the simplicity. No grand gestures—just people reaching out. Yet, the pushback persists. On X, @TrueBeliever89 posted, “Wishing other religions’ festivals is a slippery slope to losing our own.” But faith isn’t a zero-sum game. My Islam isn’t weakened by Vijay Kumar’s emojis, Rajni’s blessings, or Abhijeet’s card—it’s enriched by the love that flows back.
The World I Want To See
As Eid-ul-Fitr 2025 unfolded, I reflected on the messages from Priya, Rohan, Rajni, Vijay Kumar, Abhijeet, and countless others. Each one reminded me that harmony, peace, and love aren’t abstract—they’re lived experiences. Whether it’s a text from a friend, a viral X post, or PM Modi’s call for kindness, these moments prove a wish can travel far. It can mend fences, spark smiles, and build bonds that outlast the festival. To my critics, I say: judge me if you must. But I’ll keep sending those wishes—because in them lies the world I want to see.
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(I Ahmad Wani is the Editor of Heaven Mail, a Kashmir-based English daily published at Srinagar)
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