The dying art of Eid cards

It is the internet.

Every single person came up with this one uniform answer when they were asked why the popularity of Eid greeting cards has gone downhill recently.

Glittery cards, Disney-themed cards, superhero cards, pop-up cards, handmade cards and the classic ‘mosque and crescent moon’ cards - exchanging Eid cards was a longstanding tradition here in Bangladesh, mostly among Dhakaites.

However, the general idea is that Eid cards made of paper and cardboard are probably on the verge of demise as e-cards and MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) are quicker and easier.

Has the advent of new technologies taken over the place of paper cards during Eid, cards which were quite a craze among the youngsters, teens and children for decades?

Sanjida Ahmed Keya, a young woman who is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Germany, took a trip down the memory lane.

“Communication has become a lot easier these days. We used to spend a long time in the stores to find Eid cards to wish ‘Eid Mubarak’ to our loved ones back in the days when we did not have Facebook, twitter and easy access to internet,” she said recollecting her childhood memories.

“It was not just about exchanging greetings cards for Eid. Young boys of Old Dhaka used Eid cards to woo girls as their parents were quite clueless about the ‘romance’ going on in the name of exchanging Eid cards. I miss the thrill and excitement of those days,” said Keya.

Keya thinks paper cards might be replaced by e-cards but there are this memories associated with exchanging cards, memories which can never be replaced.

“Showing those cards to my friends and family was fun too. I cannot do that with e-cards,” said Keya.

Ashish Chakrabarty, assistant manager of Azad Products, said there is still demand for Eid cards. However, they get big orders for such cards from the banks or other business houses.

“Sometimes, little ones come to our store, looking for Disney-themed, glittery, and superhero-themed cards. But we have to send them back empty-handed as we do not make these anymore due to the sudden fall in popularity of such cards,” said Ashish Chakrabarty.  

 Saima, a first-year fashion designing student of Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology was the lone buyer, looking for Eid cards for her friends and cousins at Azad Products.  

"I think I am old-school and not so tech savvy. Internet has taken over, I agree, but there is nothing like sending actual greeting cards to my friends,” said Saima.

She thinks hunting for the best card at the stores has a special kind of appeal.

"I could send thousands of free e-cards from internet but this one paper card will trump it all. Think of it as a gift, wrapped with care and love for the people you love. I think it make people feel special when they unfold the card and see hand-written wishes," said Saima. 

The businesses do not seem that enthusiastic as Saima.

 
Dilip Dey, owner of Ideal Products in Dhaka's New Market, said sales have plummeted to half as compared to the past few years.

He too believes e-cards have won the battle against paper cards.

Riaz, a salesperson of Archie's Gallery said although sales were dull at the beginning of Ramadan, it shot up for last few days of the month.

"Some buyers are purchasing 10 cards in one go. Some are taking just one. Sales have gone up as compared to the beginning of Ramadan. However, as compared to the past few years, the sale rate is low, very low," said Riaz.

Bangladesh Printing Products Association sources said earlier different organisations used to print about 2.5 million cards. However, these days it has come down to 2,00,000 to 3,00,000 pieces.

Has the bell tolled for Eid cards? Or will the few enthusiasts keep the trend alive for a few more years?