Celebrating joy of kinship with Eid daawat

For over two decades, Eid in Delhi’s social calendar has had one fixed appointment - the lavish Eid bash at Shahnawaz and Renu Hussain’s home. Guests say the Eid bash at Shahnawaz Hussain's home is less of an event and more of a tradition for them, where old friends, acquaintances, politicians, actors, artists, and industrialists come together year after year.

The roads leading to Ashoka Road were chock-a-block for over four hours, with ministers arriving in blacked-out SUVs, security personnel, and Delhi Police positioned along the roads. Meanwhile, Shahnawaz Hussain was in his element - welcoming and escorting the VIPs to the seating area, then dropping them back at the gate once they were about to leave, ensuring every guest felt at home.
Shahnawaz Hussain said, "About the event, Hussain said, “There was a time when Manmohan Singh ji and Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji would attend our Eid celebrations. This is the only event we organise every year.”
The constant arrival and departure of the ministers also meant tight security, but the politicians obliged selfie-seekers, who, on this evening, cut through the layers of protocol in a way they wouldn't have been able to otherwise. Ravi Kishan moved through the crowd, greeting and complimenting guests and with his occasional signature greeting to fellow politicians - "Kaisan ba, Sansad ji?"
Chirag Paswan, Minister of Food Processing Industries, who obliged everyone who wanted to take a picture with him, said, "I just want to say Eid Mubarak."
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Culture said, "Eid Mubarak to sabke liye hota hai."
The dholwalas at the entrance played tunes for the guests and cheekily asked for Eidi from many politicos.

Veteran politician Murli Manohar Joshi attended the evening and left early.
Pratibha Advani, who has been attending Eid celebrations for decades alongside her father, LK Advani, shared, “This is one occasion we never miss. I have been coming here with my father for years, and now I’m here to represent him and wish Eid.
Charu Parashar said, "Attending Shahnawaz Hussain’s Eid party is a memorable experience, with its cultural richness and communal harmony evident in every celebration. The warmth of Renu Hussain has remained constant over the years, and of course, the culinary feast creates an atmosphere of Eid festivities at their finest."
Rina Dhaka said,"To be honest, I look forward to celebrating Eid at Renu and Shahnawaz ji’s home. As a family, they are so kind, simple, and warm. And they are truly loved."

Guests attending the evening said that most of them have their calendars marked for this day every year and that they were glad to catch up with each other over the lazeez dawat laid out by the hosts. During the lockdown, Renu Hussain had arranged a virtual Eid meet-up to ensure the tradition continued.
Naveen Jindal said, "I don’t even remember for how long I’ve been coming here - it has been decades. It is wonderful to meet people from all walks of life. People from all faiths come together to celebrate Eid with Shahnawaz ji and his family. Everyone loves Shahnawaz ji."
The Eid dawat, curated for the evening, also had a section for guests who were fasting for Navratri. And with food, conversations flowed between courses as guests shared how they celebrate all festivals together with equal excitement.
“My wife (fitness expert Kitty Kalra) is Muslim, so we are celebrating both Navratra and Eid today. It’s wonderful to mark these moments together,” said restaurateur Navneet Kalra.