by Abdul Haleem
KABUL, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Afghan people are preparing to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the second largest annual religious festival, to mark the end of Ramadan amid ongoing insurgency in the war-battered country.
The three-day Eid holiday probably commences on Tuesday, depending on moon sight in Lunar calendar.
In Afghanistan, on Eid al-Fitr holiday, people mostly visit relatives and friends' houses; some go to the graves of their dear ones to pray for the departed souls, while some go to recreational areas to enjoy the festival.
But to grieving and poor families in the conflict-hit country, Eid makes no difference or just reminds the sad days when they lost their loved ones to bombings and suicide attacks during the fasting month, or are still suffering severe economic problems.
"There is blast and explosion every day. On the Eid three-day holiday, many families mourn their loved ones who have lost their lives in terrorist attacks during the holy month of Ramadan," a Kabul resident, Mirajuddin who has lost his only brother to a fierce insurgency in southern Afghanistan two years ago, told Xinhua.
"Like me, there are dozens of families having no Eid as constant bloodshed has turned joys of Eid into grief," he added.
Mirajuddin, 24, his old mother and little sister have no Eid but shedding tears, when relatives come to their house to show sympathy.
"Eid just brings us the bitter memory of war, reminds me of my 19-year-old brother's death in a clash in Helmand," he said softly. Helmand is a conflict-battered province in southern Afghanistan.
Mirajuddin, who lives in a poorly-made mud rental house, said he dropped out of school after his brother's death as he couldn't afford the school expenses.
"My late brother wanted to get job in the army to support us and pay for my educations, but the armed insurgents took his life and made us mourning forever," Mirajuddin, shedding tears, said.
The tragedy of Mirajuddin's family is being repeated as latest report shows as many as 27 people, mostly civilians, have been killed and 54 others wounded, following series of blasts and suicide attacks only in the capital city of Kabul since early May, which roughly covers the Muslims' month of fasting.
Extreme poverty is another challenge that many Afghan households are grappling with, as they are unable to buy dresses or sweets to celebrate the happy event.
"We know people go to see their friends and visit relatives' houses to celebrate Eid, but for us, it makes no difference," said another Kabul citizen, Fida Mohammad.
Mohammad, who works as daily wager and the only bread earner of a five-member family, whispered, "It is difficult to celebrate the Eid festival in an environment that security incidents and poverty have engulfed countless families."
As Afghanistan struggles with militancy, high rate of unemployment and war over the past four decades, peace is what Afghans are longing for most now because it can bring a better life.
