Sania Mirza’s Eid special: For me as a youngster, getting an Eidi was the best part of the holiday

Tennis champion Sania Mirza’s Eid celebrations have evolved over the years, from her first joy at getting Eidi to a greater appreciation of her religion.

She is now introducing the festival’s customs to her son, Izhaan, as well.
“Earlier, celebrating Ramadan and Eid would be different because I wasn’t at home much,” the six-time Grand Slam winner explains.

Normally, I would be on the road. But in the last several years, I’ve had the chance to celebrate the holiday at home with my family. For me, it has also altered the significance and feelings associated with the festivities. This time, my family and I are in Hyderabad, where we will spend a few weeks. It’s a very unique moment. I would really want Izhaan to have an understanding of Indian culture and the numerous customs we observe throughout the various holidays. The fact that he will get to see it firsthand excites me.
Sania explains her celebration of Eid, saying, “We start the day with prayers.” My parents’ home hosts the lunch, where they provide biryani and other delicious food. About fifteen to twenty members of the family get together for lunch and supper. These get-togethers are more about reuniting with loved ones, particularly while I’m in Hyderabad. It’s a great chance to catch up with loved ones, since our hectic schedules sometimes make it tough to connect with those who are closest to us.
For Sania, Eid has evolved beyond festivities and gluttony throughout the years. “We look forward to Ramzan’s arrival because it is the holiest month of the year,” she says. “Ramzan holds immense importance.” It’s a season of deep appreciation for everything that life has to offer. I’ve become more devoted to my religion over the years, and I eagerly await the chance to fast throughout Ramadan. That seems to me like a deep soul cleansing.

During the holy month, Sania, a mother of a five-year-old, has started teaching her child important morals and teachings. “I think it’s important to expose our children to traditions, religion, and faith, helping them to understand these concepts as they forge their own paths,” she declares. But above all, I want to instill kindness in Izhaan. The most important thing, in my opinion, is to be a decent person, and I try to instill this in my kid.

Sania remembers with nostalgia the thrill of getting Eidi when she was a youngster. “I used to look forward to Eid so much as a child; it was the best part of the celebrations,” she says. The greatest joy we had was discovering how much Eidi we had gotten when we got home after seeing all the elders. Since I’m getting older, I don’t get as many Eidi anymore (laughs). Even still, our family’s continuous sense of giving and community is symbolized by the simple act of getting Eid garments from my aunt and uncle.