Afghan Migrants Abroad Describe Muted Eid Celebrations Amid Work Obligations and Homesickness

Afghan migrants in Australia, Turkey, Germany, Finland, the United States and Pakistan say Eid celebrations abroad lack public holidays, requiring attendance at work or school, unlike the festive atmosphere in Afghanistan with extensive family visits and communal joy.

They maintain traditions such as wearing new clothes, performing Eid prayers and holding small family gatherings, but express deep homesickness for the vibrant homeland celebrations filled with food, laughter and guests.

Menizha Rasuli, who has lived in Australia for nearly 17 years, said there is no public holiday for Eid, as Australia is not an Islamic country. "On Eid days, we have to go to work and children go to school," she said. "Eid abroad lacks much excitement and enthusiasm, and visits are fewer because most people are busy."

Ahmad Wasim, in Turkey for about five years, called separation from family the biggest problem, despite some Eid observance in the Muslim-majority country.

Mirwais Zalmai in Germany said migrants have no real Eid due to work demands. "We go to the mosque for Eid prayer, then quickly return to work. In the evening, family members gather for a few hours," he said, recalling extensive visits in Afghanistan.

Ahmad, an Afghan in Finland, described Afghanistan's Eid as having a different atmosphere with new clothes, happy faces, full houses, children's laughter and delicious foods, absent abroad.

Khajasteh Afzali in America noted people are busy with work and duties, saying the taste of Eid in the homeland is nowhere else. Zahra Niazi, in Pakistan for three years, said Eid there is simpler, accompanied by homesickness.

Several expressed hopes of returning to Afghanistan to celebrate with loved ones.