Eid Under the Shadow of Poverty and Hardship: How Are Afghans Spending Eid This Year?
Eid has always been a symbol of joy, family gatherings, and colorful festive tables for many Afghans. However, this year’s Eid has arrived while many families are struggling with economic hardship and a declining ability to afford even basic expenses.
Many people say that, unlike previous years, they can no longer afford many of the traditional Eid expenses. As a result, they are celebrating with simpler meals and much lower spending than before. An occasion that was once marked by new clothes, festive tables and extensive preparations has now come under the shadow of unemployment, poverty, and reduced incomes for many Afghans.
Ahmad Shah, a 38-year-old resident of Kabul told Tawazon that this year, like last Eid, he could not afford to buy new clothes for all members of his family.
“In previous years, when Eid arrived, I used to shop for everyone in my family. Our Eid table was full of dried fruits, sweets, and different kinds of food. But now most of our income goes toward basic living expenses”, he said.
Ahmad Shah, who worked at the Customs Directorate under the former government, now supports his family of ten by driving a taxi.
“Many days, I can only earn enough money to buy bread for my family. Economic problems are severe and I do not have a stable income. Celebrating Eid is no longer a priority. The important thing is having something to eat today,”he added.
In many Afghan cities, Eid was once accompanied by busy markets and extensive preparations. Families spent considerable amounts of money hosting guests and making their children happy. However, today, the financial situation of many people has worsened significantly.
According to United Nations reports, more than half of Afghanistan’s population lives below the poverty line and th situation continues to worsen due to widespread unemployment and declining international assistance.
Maryam, a mother of four in Herat says her family’s Eid table is much simpler this year than in past years.
“In the past, I made extensive preparations for Eid. I would buy different kinds of dried fruits, sweets, and prepare special dishes. But now my husband is unemployed and we have only tried to provide the basic necessities. My children still talk about new clothes and Eid gifts but our financial situation does not allow us to meet all their wishes”, she told Tawazon.
Economic experts say that the economic challenges in recent years have placed heavy pressure on families and significantly reduced people’s purchasing power.
Shaker Yaqoubi, an economic analyst, told Tawazon: “The economic situation of many families has become more difficult compared to previous years. Unemployment has increased, incomes have declined and the prices of basic goods remain high. When household income decreases, spending on celebrations and special occasions becomes a lower priority.”
He added:”People’s purchasing power has directly affected how they celebrate Eid. Today, many families are focused on meeting their basic needs.Most people are more concerned about covering daily expenses than preparing for Eid.”
According to Yaqoubi, the decline in economic projects, reduced investment and decreasing international aid have also had a negative impact on markets and people’s livelihoods.
Despite all these difficulties, many families are still trying to keep the spirit of Eid. Although Eid tables may not be as colorful as they once were, but hope for better days and improved living conditions remains alive in many Afghan home. Despite poverty and hardship families continue to keep Eid traditions alive and look forward to a better future.