Eid means sharing joy and happiness with near and dear ones. When Eid arrives, countless people from the capital return to their hometowns to share the joy, driven by the bond of family.
They bring along new gifts for family and relatives, as well as necessary items. However, it is very rare to see people taking their pets with them during the Eid holidays.
Such a scene was observed on Saturday at the Sadarghat launch terminal.
With a bag on her shoulder, holding her young daughter in one arm and a caged pigeon in the other, Rakhi Khatun, a passenger traveling to Barisal, was waiting for the launch.
Rakhi Khatun told Dhaka Tribune: "My husband works at a private company. As a result, we have been living in Gazipur for over eight years. Since childhood, I have had a great fondness for pet pigeons. Even after coming to Dhaka, I continued to keep pigeons as a hobby. I take care of the pigeons all by myself.
Why mourning a pet can be harder than grieving for a person"This Eid, we are going to our village home in Barisal to celebrate Eid with the family. But I was in a dilemma about what to do with my pigeons. I couldn't figure out what to do, as leaving them behind would mean they would starve to death. So, I'm taking them with me."
There are many animal lovers who take their beloved cats, dogs, or birds with them wherever they go. Rakhi Khatun is one of them. Another passenger was also seen boarding the launch with a kitten, taking her beloved cat home with her.
Traveling with pets can be quite challenging, especially in a country where pet-friendly travel options are limited.
Rakhi mentioned that finding transportation that allows pets is not easy, and it often requires special arrangements and extra care. "Many transport services don't allow pets, so we have to plan carefully and make sure our pets are comfortable and safe during the journey," she said.
Despite the difficulties, pet owners like Rakhi believe that the effort is worth it. "Our pets are like family members to us. Leaving them behind would cause them stress and anxiety, and we wouldn't enjoy our holiday knowing they are not well taken care of," she added.
The presence of pets adds an extra layer of joy and fulfillment to the festive celebrations, making the journey home even more special for families who consider their pets an integral part of their lives.
