As Eid approaches, Mudasir Nzr, a research scholar from Pulwama, finds himself away from home once again. Having spent previous Eids in Hyderabad due to his studies, the homesickness still lingers. Yet, as the festive day nears, his heart yearns to be back, celebrating with family.
Hundreds of students, patients, businessmen, and professionals, including soldiers with demanding schedules, celebrate Eid away from home. While some have learned to cope, for many, the occasion remains deeply emotional, filled with longing.
“It’s still an emotional moment to be away from home,” says Mudasir. “Exams are around the corner, and traveling back would have been time-consuming. So, I chose to stay near my college and focus on my studies.”
What he will miss the most, however, is the Eid prayer back home. “Praying in my hometown was always special. It was the best time of the year to meet old friends and reconnect with familiar faces,” he adds.
Being away on Eid feels bittersweet. There’s excitement in celebrating, yet a deep sense of longing for family, traditions, and the warmth of home. The usual laughter, the special meals, and the little rituals feel distant. Even if one tries to recreate the atmosphere, the presence of loved ones is irreplaceable.
“Video calls with family can bring some comfort. Seeing familiar faces and hearing their voices makes the distance feel smaller,” Mudasir said. “Cooking the same special dishes, wearing new clothes, and performing Eid prayers as you would at home brings a sense of familiarity.”
Nasir Khuehami, a student activist, has spent multiple Eids away and never felt even an iota of home-like comfort anywhere. “You can enjoy life outside Kashmir, but not on special occasions like Eid,” he said. “The day is meant for family gatherings, and that’s what many of our students will miss this Eid too.”
He pointed out that most students rely on virtual calls to stay connected with family. Many even seek cooking tips from home to recreate traditional dishes. “Several of my colleagues often call home for recipes and cooking advice,” he said. “It not only helps them prepare meals similar to home but also bridges the emotional gap of missing family on Eid.”
As the aroma of home-cooked feasts fills kitchens back in Kashmir, many celebrating away try to recreate a piece of it—calling their mothers for recipes, joining friends for prayers, or simply watching their family’s Eid unfold on a screen.
Yet, no video call can replace the warmth of a father’s embrace or the joy of sharing sheer kurma with siblings. “No matter how much we try, Eid without home never feels the same,” said a student.
For those away, Eid is not just a festival—it’s a reminder of the love, laughter, and comfort they yearn to return to.
