Eidgah is a place meant for offering the Eid Salaat (prayers). It is usually a ground with a small structure in the direction of Qibla (facing Makkah), and hence not much in use rest of the year. Every night preceding the Eid, my father and our close neighbour Iqbal Uncle along with some other volunteers go to the Eidgah after the Isha Salaat. They clean the ground and then remove the stones, which may come under the carpets. Then, they mark lines using the white chalk powder. They also ready the wooden platform and the microphone for the Imam affectionately known as the Qari Saheb even though he is a Hafiz and an Alim. The volunteers are given water and sometimes juices.
In the morning immediately after the Fajr Salaat, Iqbal Uncle rushes to the Eidgah for final inspection. Then with the help of volunteers the long sheets of cloth are laid on the ground. In the Masajid (Mosques) the Eid Salaat is at 7 a.m. but in the Eidgah they keep it at 8. This helps the people who miss the Salaat in the Masajid and particularly those sections of the society which have long queues for the bathrooms.
The Qari Saheb gives a good Bayan (speech) before the Salaat and makes an announcement for his Madrasa (Islamic Seminary). Some money is also collected for the Madrasa as well as the needy. Qari Saheb makes a special Dua (Supplication) for all those who helped with the various Eidgah arrangements. Last year, it was raining lightly and Iqbal Uncle also arranged tents. My father had held an umbrella over the Qari Saheb during the Bayan and the Khutbah (Sermon) after the Salaat.
After the Salaat, people meet one another in the Eidgah and drink the water and juices provided. The volunteers again work hard to pack the cloth sheets and other things. Then the volunteers of the Eidgah preparations along with Qari Saheb proceed to the residence of Iqbal Uncle. Then, in his house everyone has his breakfast with many items. It is more like a full lunch and breakfast combined! Iqbal Uncle hosts another party for the Families, usually next day of the Eid.
[HAJIRA KHAN studies at Indian School Salalah, Salalah, Sultanate of Oman]