Eid-e-Tabrik!

Today marks the first of three days of "Eid" here in Central Asia, and everywhere people are greeting each other with "Eid-e-Tabrik!" (loosely translated, it means "congratulations on the Eid").  An "Eid" is a celebration, of which there are 4 in our part of Asia.  This Eid celebrates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son - whom locals believe was Ishmael rather than Isaac - at God's command.  The celebration is kicked off with the slaughter of a cow or goat, which is then eaten over the next three days full of feasting with friends & family.  Day 1 is usually reserved for celebrating with immediate family, Day 2 is extended to distant relatives and close friends, while Day 3 is spent visiting or hosting ALL friends.  Eid's also have less significant traditions, such as the purchasing of toy guns and firecrackers for all the children.  This of course means three days (and nights) of tiny explosions...fun!

Nobody works during Eid, which isn't that surprising.  But it is amazing how the locals can take a 3-day holiday and stretch it into 9 consecutive days off!  Weekends here are Thurs & Friday, and the day before Eid is always a government holiday (people have to prepare for the next 3 days of visiting & hosting).  This year, since Eid began on a Monday, there was only one work day between the regular weekend and the beginning of the holiday.  No need for people to come in to work for only one day, the government figured.  And just like that, the entire country shut down for 9 days.  Good thing we bought enough food ahead of time :)