Project Description

Muslims celebrate two Eid ceremonies each year. Whenever Eid arrives, people across the city feel a deep pull toward their roots and try to return to their villages. Yet, while many manage to go back home, countless rickshaw pullers remain in the city during the Eid holidays for various reasons.

Among them is Javed Ali. For the past five years, he has been driving a rickshaw in Dhaka. But this is the first Eid, he could not return home. The cost of traveling, along with paying off two instalments and supporting his wife and children, made it impossible for him to gather enough money.

Still, he carries no regret.

In fact, compared to other times, he finds a certain comfort in driving during Eid. The city roads are quieter, free from the usual traffic congestion, making his rides easier and more peaceful.

There are many rickshaw pullers like Javed Ali who stay back in the city during Eid for similar reasons. Perhaps it is because of them that those of us who remain in Dhaka can experience a rare kind of calm riding through the empty streets on eid day meant for celebration.

This video is dedicated to them.