Capturing The Lost History Of Eid Ul Fitr Cards

Most families used to spend time carefully choosing, buying, writing, and sending Eid ul fitr cards to friends and family as part of their daily ritual. However, this is now uncommon. In our society, Eid ul Fitr celebrations take many different shapes. As the month of Ramadan draws to a close, markets across the country are aglow with Eid trinkets, including clothing, jewelry, mehendi, and confections—all of which are commonly associated with this joyous celebration.

In our society, Eid ul Fitr celebrations take many different shapes. Markets across are aglow with Eid trinkets as the month of Ramadan draws to a close, including clothing, jewelry, mehendi, and confections—all of which are commonly associated with this joyous celebration.

However, the custom of sending out Eid ul fitr gift box and cards has become less popular over time. The custom of sending out cards, nonetheless, has become less popular over time.

Most families used to spend time carefully choosing, buying, writing, and sending Eid greeting cards to friends and family as part of their daily ritual. However, it is now uncommon.

SMS Eid Wishes 

The practice of sending Eid greetings has evolved, but it hasn't completely disappeared. People no longer have the time to wait in line for the postage or visit card booths as they used to. However, due to the rush of Eid greetings being sent back and forth by SMS, mobile phone systems do encounter an unexpected surge in heavy traffic on the eve and day of Eid.

Historical Significance of Eid Cards

It would be interesting to look back at the history of Eid cards, especially in the early years when the custom was first introduced to our area, in this age of social media and smartphone connectivity, when handwritten letters have become less useful.

Here are some special examples from the collections of Yousuf Saeed, who owns Tasveer Ghar and works as a filmmaker, author, and archivist in Delhi; Ally Adnan, an engineer based in Dallas, USA; and Omar Khan, who owns Imagesofasia.com, which features a collection of old postcards and lithographs.

Subcontinent Tradition

Greeting cards were first sent on Eid in the late 19th century in the Indian subcontinent. Even though many wealthy Muslim families had been sending calligraphic and artistically painted greeting cards and eid ul fitr gift box on Eid for generations, it wasn't until the late 19th century that Eid cards became widely available and were mailed.

We assume that this is due to two factors: the development of new printing facilities and the growth of the railway network.

Revolutionary Change in Cards 

By 1880, the railway network had grown from 34 km in 1853, when India's first passenger train service was launched, to 25000 km. People started traveling far from their homes for work and business as the railway network grew. Additionally, it enhanced the mail service. Additionally, the availability and production quality of Eid cards were revolutionized by the comparatively sophisticated printing facilities.

Early cards were essentially Christmas cards created in Europe that were altered and used for Eid following the necessary handwriting, printing, or stamping.

First Business Of Eid Cards 

Early in the 20th century, Eid cards featuring artwork and images unique to India started to be made. Among the first businesses in India to print Eid cards were Hafiz Qammaruddin & Sons, H. Ghulam Muhammad & Sons, and Muhammad Hussain & Brothers in Lahore; Mahboob Al Matabah in Delhi; and Eastern Commercial Agency Shabbar T Corporation and Bolton Fine Art Lithographers in Bombay. Even yet, Raphael Tuck's postcards featuring Indian Muslim architecture were used during Eid as well.

Some Quotations & Wishes from the Cards

Without mentioning the particular kind of Urdu poetry that appears on these old Eid cards—penned obviously for the occasion—no consideration of these cards would be complete. 

میرے یاروں کو مبارک عید ہو غمگساروں کو مبارک عید ہو عاشق و معشوق رندو پارسا آج چاروں کو مبارک عید ہو

Wishing a happy Eid to all four of them today, including my friends, my sympathizers, lovers, and beloveds, as well as the drunks and the devout.

ہماری عید تو جب ہے کہ دیکھیں تیرے آبرو کو ہلال عید کو اے مہ جبیں دیکھا تو کیا دیکھا

Eid is when I see your eyebrows

Just seeing the crescent, my dear, is no Eid.

3 Heartfelt Wishes For You To Send Your Loved Ones 

Classic Wish 

"May Allah's blessings bring you joy, serenity, and wealth in your life. To you and your family, happy Eid Mubarak!

This classic wish embodies all the positive things one may dream for and exudes genuine sincerity.

Spiritual & Blessed Wishes 

"May Allah appreciate your good acts, pardon your sins, and alleviate your suffering on this auspicious day. Happy Eid Mubarak!

This wish highlights the spiritual side of Eid and serves as a helpful reminder to the recipient of the value of introspection and faith.

Special & Warm Wish

An Eid Ul Fitr Cards  with a message like this one withholds a special gesture that ultimately brings a smile to the reader.

"I hope you have a wonderful Eid that is full of laughter, love, and everything that brings you joy." My dear friend, happy Eid Mubarak!

A personalized message like this adds a touch of warmth and closeness, perfect for friends.