In search of traditional Eid card

The practice of sending greeting cards to loved ones dates back almost 180 years. It gained popularity during the reign of Queen Victoria. Initially, greeting cards were mostly used to celebrate occasions like New Year’s, Christmas, or birthdays. But over time, this tradition expanded across the world, and cards began to be exchanged for Eid as well. While this custom is still common in many Western cultures, in Bangladesh and several regions in Asia, the exchange of Eid cards has gradually declined.

It wasn’t too long ago—just about a decade back—that people regularly sent Eid cards to their loved ones during the festive season. These cards often carried short, heartfelt two-line messages inside. People would enthusiastically distribute them—some by hand, others through the postal service. But with the rapid advancement of technology, people now have smartphones and computers at their fingertips. From schoolchildren to the elderly, the use of social media has become widespread. No one needs to rely on letters anymore to send a message. A quick tap on a phone is enough to send a warm greeting across the world in seconds. In an age where instant communication is the norm, the decline in letter-writing is understandable. Yet some customs are deeply embedded in our cultural fabric, and when they start to fade, many feel a sense of loss. The tradition of Eid cards is one such example.

Eid cards used to be widely available at bookstores and even cosmetic shops. They were quite accessible. Now, only a few shops still keep them, and even then, sales are scarce. A shopkeeper mentioned that about 8 to 10 years ago, Eid cards were still selling, but now hardly anyone buys them—everyone has mobile phones. “Who will buy Eid cards in this era?” he asked.

Activist Ayesha Mukti shared some fond memories of Eid card traditions. She said, “When we were in school and college, it was quite common to give Eid cards. We didn’t always buy them—we would often make them ourselves using colorful paper. Sometimes we’d just paint on a plain sheet and write a short Eid message inside. We would give them not only to family but also to close friends and teachers. Sometimes we’d even include a pen or a candy with the card. Nowadays, the younger generation isn’t into this anymore—everyone is busy with their phones.”

Greeting cards have always stood out for their eye-catching designs, and Eid cards were no exception. What made them unique was the Islamic cultural touch in their artwork. A thin crescent moon often adorned the minaret of a mosque, sometimes accompanied by a couple of stars. Other popular illustrations included people embracing after Eid prayers, or someone praying on a prayer mat seeking Allah’s mercy. Most designs followed this theme. However, there were also floral or leafy-themed Eid cards. Inside, you’d typically find “Eid Mubarak” written, sometimes followed by a few additional lines. While English text was common, Bengali Eid cards were also widely circulated. The recipient’s name would be written on top, with the sender’s name below. Many elders in households would even tuck Eidi or cash inside the card. After Eid prayers, children would bow to greet the elders, who in return would hand them the eagerly awaited Eid card and Eidi.

Those traditions now live mostly in memory. Yet, in some extended families, the custom of distributing Eid cards still survives. Though fading, this tradition still lingers around us—in scattered, nostalgic fragments of the past.

Mahmudul Hasan Utshoo: Science Writer