Nostalgia and Tradition: Celebrating Eid Through the Eyes of a Young Woman

Pelabuhan merak (Credit: Nisa Arum)

    Mudik is not merely about reconnecting with family and relatives; it also involves rekindling emotional ties through the flavors of hometown cuisine. More than satisfying one's palate, these culinary experiences evoke strong emotional connections to the past, bringing happiness and a longing to return home.

    Nisa, a university student studying in Yogyakarta, eagerly anticipates her journey home to celebrate Eid with her extended family. This annual tradition is more than just a celebration; it is a cherished moment to reunite with loved ones. As her bus traverses familiar roads, nostalgia overtakes her. The sight of expansive green rice fields and sturdy coconut trees lining the road reminds Nisa of her childhood. The scent of wet soil after rain and the chirping of birds add warmth and comfort to her heart.

    Upon arriving in Tambak Rejo Village, Nisa is warmly welcomed  by her family, whom she has not seen for a long time. Joyful laughter fills the air, accompanied by the aroma of festive dishes. Her mother and grandmother have prepared an array of traditional foods like ketupat, chicken opor, and assorted cookies displayed on the table. Each dish carries memories and stories, reminding Nisa of the love and effort poured into them by her family. Her longing feels fulfilled as she immerses herself in their presence.

Nisa's Family

    The following day, Nisa's family holds a reunion with their extended relatives. This gathering is not just about food and festivities but also about sharing stories and memories. For Nisa, returning home means savoring childhood favorites like sambal bawang with rendang cooked by her mother. "Nothing compares to my mother's cooking," she says, reminiscing about those precious moments.

    She observes her cousins, now grown up, each with their own life stories. They gather in the yard filled with laughter and exchange experiences ranging from college to careers. Nisa feels proud seeing how each family member has navigated their unique challenges. One cousin recently graduated from university, while another has started their own business. These shared stories strengthen their solidarity and bond.

    One of the most memorable moments is attending Eid prayers at the village mosque together. The serene atmosphere resonates with the sound of takbir echoing around them. Nisa feels profound peace, appreciating the significance of such moments. After prayers, they exchange forgiveness, erasing past mistakes and deepening their emotional ties. Tears flow as they embrace one another with genuine affection—a reminder that family is a sanctuary of love and understanding.

Family take Velocity Content Video of Tiktok

    Additionally, Nisa and her cousins embrace social media trends to celebrate Eid creatively. They decide to make a TikTok video showcasing various traditions they observe during Eid. With phones in hand, they capture moments like Eid prayers, cooking preparations, and joyful gatherings in the yard. Each family member participates—dancing, cooking, or exchanging forgiveness—with cheerful viral music playing in the background.

    Their enthusiasm results in an entertaining video full of memories. Nisa enjoys seeing her family's excitement in joining this activity. The video not only serves as documentation but also connects them with friends on social media. They even plan to share unique Eid challenges to spread happiness further.

    Amidst the festivities, Nisa wishes to create special moments for her nieces and nephews by giving them holiday allowances (THR). Their joyful expressions bring immense satisfaction as they excitedly plan what to buy with their THR money. This act symbolizes more than material giving; it reflects love and genuine care across generations.

    As night falls, the village square lights up with music filling the air. Nisa's family gathers on the porch to share stories and laughter under twinkling lights. Gratitude envelops them as they cherish this reunion that strengthens bonds and enriches their lives.

    Returning to hometown for Eid celebrations becomes an unforgettable experience for Nisa—a heartfelt realization of how vital it is to nurture relationships amidst life's busyness that often separates people. In her heart, she vows always to return home, uphold traditions, and celebrate precious moments with those she loves deeply.