The evolving art of giving Salami during Eid

For Nazifa Tabassum, Eid mornings in her hometown of Chashara, Narayanganj, were always filled with excitement—not just for the new clothes or the delicious festive meals, but for the thrill of collecting Eid Salami.

She fondly remembers how she and her siblings would wait in eager anticipation, guessing how much they'd receive each year. And when the total turned out to be more than expected? That was pure joy. 

"On Eid mornings, we'd wake up early, dress in new clothes, have breakfast, and then wait for the male members of our family to return from the mosque. The moment they arrived, we would touch their feet in respect, and they would hand us crisp banknotes as a token of love," she reminisced.

The tradition didn't end at home. She and her cousins would visit neighbours in groups, collecting Salami from elders in the community. 

"It was pure happiness," she added.

A tradition rooted in history

The tradition of giving money during Eid has been around for centuries. Back in the Middle Ages, Fatimid rulers would distribute food, clothes, and money to their people as part of the celebrations. While the way it's practised varies across cultures, the heart of the tradition remains the same—spreading joy through generosity.

In Bangladesh, it's called Salami; in Pakistan and India, it's Eidi; and in many Arab and African countries, it's Eidiyah, a word that combines Eid and Hadiyah (gift). The practice ties back to Islamic teachings on charity, especially Zakat al-Fitr—a mandatory donation given before Eid prayers to ensure everyone, regardless of their means, can celebrate. 

Over time, this act of giving evolved into the much-loved custom of handing money to younger family members and loved ones.

Even today, Salami remains an integral part of Eid celebrations. In South Asia, children excitedly collect cash from parents, grandparents, and uncles, while in Turkey, it is customary for children to kiss their elders' hands before receiving their Eid money. The amount varies depending on financial status and customs, but new banknotes remain the preferred form of giving, with many elders withdrawing fresh bundles from banks before Eid.

A modern twist on Salami

For Gen Z, the tradition of Eid Salami is evolving with technology. Maisha Mehnaz, a student at North South University, shared how it has taken on a digital twist in her life. "Most of my relatives are scattered across the city or even live abroad. I don't always get to meet them on Eid, but thanks to mobile banking apps, I still receive my Salami," she said.

She fondly recalled how, last year, her uncle visited from the USA and handed her Salami in dollars—a moment that felt both exciting and a little surreal.

In 2021, bKash took this tradition a step further by introducing digital Salami, making it easier than ever to send and receive Eid gifts. Their catchy tagline, "Eid er chaand akashe, Salami den bKash e", quickly became a fun and familiar phrase across the country. 

"The best part of bKash Salami option is the receiver knows it's a Salami not credited money and it comes with a token," added Maisha.

No matter the form—physical cash or digital transfers, the spirit of Salami remains unchanged. It continues to be a heartfelt way to express love, uphold traditions, and strengthen relationships, making Eid even more joyous for all.