People Flock to Fun on Third Day of Eid

APP

Peshawar: Following the past traditions, the people of Khyber-Pakthunkhwa went into the swing of Eidul Azha partying with BBQs and a range of other meat-based delicacies. This was particularly the case on the third day of the Eid celebrations. Children were not to be left behind in the fun and the gaiety of the occasions taking every opportunity on free swings and other activities.

On the third day of Eidul Azha people visit houses of their relatives and friends for exchange of Eid greetings, sweets and meat gifts. This time it was no different. Many also took the opportunity to visit local parks in Peshawar, Nowshera and, Charsada. For many the, Peshawar Zoo proved to be of special interest. Children were fascinated by Asian tigers, lions, bears, falcons and snakes during their visit to the Peshawar Zoo and enjoyed free swings in the zoo park.

By tradition, the people of Peshawar spend the first day of Eid at home and the second and third-day visiting houses of their loved ones, relatives and friends for exchange of Eid greetings and sweets and distribute Eidi and gifts amongst the children.  “I came to Wapda Town to hand over the Qurbani meat to my sister,” said Sajid Ali, a resident of village Dheri Ishaq, Nowshera.

“I visited the home of my grandfather on the third day of Eidul Azha and exchanged Eid greetings with him viz a viz his family members. Such a joyful event, which comes after a year, creating a spirit of love, warmth, sacrifice and brotherhood in society,” explained Omar Khan, a resident of Pabbi.

“The exchange of Eid greetings distribution of Eidi amongst and Qurbani meat bring people and relatives closer doubled their joys. I distributed 15 Kg meat among my relatives and poor people whilst utilizing half the amount of Edi by visiting parks and Peshawar Zoo for recreational activities and donating the remaining amount to orphan children to include them in Eidul Azha celebrations. Helping needy and poor people doubles our Eid joy,” according to Khan.

“I met with all my friends, cousins and relatives over the  last two days of Eid and today I came to Peshawar along with my brother to visit parks and recreational spots for entertainment,” intimated  Azhar Khan, a resident of Nowshera whilst enjoying on the free swing at the historic Shahi Bagh, in Peshawar.  He added, “Eidi received from relatives and loved ones has greatly helped me to pay the entry ticket charges and foods and transport.”

Like Omar and Azhar, thousands of people of Peshawar, Nowshera and Charsadda districts flocked to parks, picnic and recreational points as well as Peshawar Zoo to celebrate the last day of Eidul Azha with great enthusiasm.

Parks and recreational spots in Peshawar, Kohat, Charssada and Nowshera were flooded with tourists helped by effective security measures put in place by the government. Great hustle and bustle was seen at Chacha Younis Park, Shahi Bagh and zoo in Peshawar, Tanda dam in Kohat, Kund Park in Nowshera and Sardaryab picnic point in Charsadda, children enjoyed free swings, food parties and wildlife animals.

Sardaryab picnic point on Peshawar-Charsadda Road and Kund Park in Nowshera was jam-packed with visitors. BBQs, meat and rice dishes were relished along the banks of Shah Alam, Khayali, and Indus rivers amid a funfair.

The riverside views, colorful boats and the aroma of fish being fried attracted visitors at Sirdaryab in Charadda district in abundance.  Local musicians and singers enthralled visitors in Sardaryab, performing local Pashto songs, especially during the evenings amidst warm applause from tourists.

The brightly painted boats on river bank offered trips to tourists for Rs 150-200, attracting tourists in large numbers at Sardaryab particularly proving popular with children. “I have visited Sardaryab every Eid because the riverside views always gave me some respite from hot weather” said Shehryar, a resident of Wapda Town. “The natural beauty of Sardaryab, especially its long river shore and navigating the river through colour boats gives me immense happiness during Eid holidays,” he added.

“Eid festivities in Kohat also continued on third day of Eid at Tanda Dam, visitors enjoying swimming and a variety of delicious food. Built on River Tochi near Kohat city in 1960, the Tanda Dam attracted an influx of tourists from the Hangu, Karak and Bannu districts. “My first priority on Eid vacation was to spend third day of Eid at Tanda Dam to enjoy cool breeze here,” said Waris Khan, a tourist from Kohat.  He added, “The atmosphere of Tanda Dam was very excellent and full of natural beauty and people come here to enjoy its natural beauty.”

Film lovers also visited cinema houses and enjoyed movies on the big screen. Many well off families visited tourists destination Nathia Gali, Kalam, Thandyani, Murree and Ayubia for Eid celebrations pulled by pleasant weather there. The entertainment gala for children was also held at all major cities, towns and villages for children where elaborate entertainment arrangements were made.   “I have spent all my Eidi money on purchase of toys guns and free swings after visiting entertainment melas in Peshawar and Nowshera with my family members,” explained Ibrahim Khan, at Chacha Younis Park Peshawar. He said the ticket for swings was very high that needed to be verified.

The feature has been published on the APP website.