Shajal’s heart lies in Old Dhaka during Eid

Eid carries a unique magic when it is shared with family, laughter, and small acts of kindness. For actor Shajal Noor, those early celebrations at his maternal grandparents’ home in Old Dhaka remain some of his fondest memories, filled with joy, tradition, and a sense of togetherness that still warms his heart.

“Every Eid, all my cousins would gather at my maternal grandfather’s house,” he recalls. “Early in the morning, we would go together for Eid namaz in Puran Dhaka. After returning home, the elders would stand in a line, and we would go to each of them to offer our greetings and touch their feet to receive salami. With that money, we would usually buy toys.”

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Festivals in Old Dhaka, Shajal notes, have a charm of their own, vibrant with sights, smells, and sounds that make Eid feel extra special. Yet one particular Eid stands out vividly in his memory. “We had a regular rickshaw-puller—our ‘rikshawala mama’—who would take us out for rides every Eid. That year his rickshaw broke down, and we learned he wouldn’t be able to come. We felt very sad, so all of us cousins decided to give him whatever salami we received.”

By noon, they handed him the money, helping repair his rickshaw. With the remaining amount, the cousins treated themselves to a meal at a local restaurant, enjoying aloor dom and other treats.

“It wasn’t just about the food or the gifts,” Shajal reflects. “It was the joy of sharing and caring that made that Eid unforgettable.” For him, these moments of family, fun, and small acts of generosity define the true spirit of Eid.