Crisp new banknotes are in high demand this Eid Al Adha as Bahraini families try to keep the centuries-old tradition of Eidiya alive.
‘Eidiya’ (a gift of money to younger relatives) is an Arabic word which means to give.
Banks around the country prepare in advance for the influx of requests for newly-minted banknotes.
“Even though the new forms of Eidiya have become popular over the past few years, crisp, physical banknotes are still in great demand,” National Bank of Bahrain corporate communications chief Hisham Abul Alfateh told the GDN.
“Whilst 500fils and BD1 banknotes remain the most popular, BD5 bank notes are also in high demand, followed by BD10 and BD20 denominations,” he added.
Personal banker Shahd Awadh expressed her opinions about physical cash versus electronic transfers.
“The smell of crisp notes is part of the festivities, alongside the scent of bukhoor and oud that spreads around the house on Eid afternoons,” said the 26-year-old Bahraini.
“I believe that children have a special appreciation of the physical note, something about the anticipation of seeing their relatives walking around handing out Eidiyas, as they eagerly wait for their turn.”
While children love holding the cash in their hands, Ms Awadh stated, adults usually transfer Eidiyas to their grown-up loved ones through bank accounts.
“I’ve seen a surge of people sharing their BenefitPay QR code among each other through social media and group chats,” she said.
Alongside Eidiya, food serves as an essential celebratory part of Eid Al Adha, as Muslims around the world perform the ritual of sacrificing an animal for the occasion, commonly a sheep or goat, which is shared to be feasted on by families for lunch.
Sheep imagery is commonly used to signify the custom in congratulatory posts, advertisements as well as greeting cards and envelopes.
Local Bahraini businesses like Fa Elegance offer collections of Eid Al Adha-themed Eidiya envelopes which feature different cartoon illustrations of sheep on them.
Families also tend to continue their celebrations by gathering over tea and dessert. Some local bakeries offer sheep-themed cakes, as well as special plates of sweets ready to order ahead of Eid Al Adha.
For many, Eid serves as an opportunity to enjoy delightful dishes and sweets while reconnecting with extended family members who may be difficult to reach throughout the year.
Bahraini sales manager Ibrahim Alhalal, who resides in Saudi Arabia for his job, is looking forward to seeing his extended family during the holy occasion.
“Eid is very special to me since I get to be in big family gatherings after being away for work. It usually starts with greeting my parents and siblings, then we gather with the larger family in my grandparents’ home,” the 32-year-old added.
“Another gathering is in Saudi Arabia with my wife’s family, which became like my own family. Both Eid gatherings share the common spirit of happiness and love.”
While some exclusively spend Eid with their families, others make time to celebrate with friends as well. Bahraini Yahya Rabeea, 27, likes to celebrate Eid by enjoying traditional food with loved ones.
The only child starts his Eid morning having Bahraini breakfast at home with his family, then meets his friends for lunch at a traditional Bahraini restaurant.
“I try to balance my Eid routine between family and friends,” said Mr Rabeea. “To me, Eid is all about spending time with the people you love, who bring out the best in you.
“Eid represents the time where people can take a break from the busy modern life to celebrate and connect with loved ones,” he adds.
rima@gdnmedia.bh
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