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about these things. Everyone is busy with their own lives. I do not depend on anyone,” he said.

For several years now, Salimullah Khandakar has been living a solitary life. After retiring from a private job in 2018, he has been spending much of his time in idleness. He moved into the old home 15 months ago. Both of his sons work in reputable companies. Although they occasionally come to visit their father, they never talk about taking him back with them. At the age of 68, despite having everything, he feels he has nothing.

Salimullah says that due to some wrong decisions in life, he has had to spend his later years in an elderly care home.

He said, “Everyone here may have different stories. But, I made some mistakes when making decisions about my family, and now I am paying the price. The biggest thing is that now I have to live alone. This is the reality of my life.”

Another resident, who requested anonymity, reflected on how Eid used to be. “There was a time when Eid meant a house full of my people, children’s laughter. Now I am here with others, but my own children are not with me,” he said.

One elderly woman shared that her daughter lives abroad and video calls her on Eid day. “We do talk, but without being physically present, the joy is not the same,” she said.

According to the old home authorities, special arrangements are made for the occasion. Festive meals, including shemai, polao, and meat dishes, are served. Volunteers from various organisations visit throughout the day, bringing gifts, spending time with the residents, and organising small cultural programmes. For a few hours, the otherwise quiet environment becomes lively.

However, as the day progresses, the festivities gradually fade. By afternoon, many residents return to their rooms. Some watch Eid programmes on television, while others sit quietly, immersed in memories of Eids past.