Indonesia

Eid isn’t just a festival—it’s a homecoming, a pilgrimage of the heart. After a month of fasting, patience, and prayer, millions embark on one of the greatest human migrations of the year.

This journey is joyful—a long-awaited reunion with parents, grandparents, and childhood memories for some, for others, it’s an obstacle course of sold-out tickets, endless traffic jams, and overbooked flights. Whether by plane, packed train, or hours on the road, the desire to be home is all that matters.

In Indonesia, the homecoming tradition is called mudik. This massive exodus sees millions of Indonesians leaving urban centers to return to their hometowns. The scale of mudik is monumental; in 2024, it was estimated that around 193 million people, or 71% of the population, participated in this tradition.

The journey is often fraught with challenges. Major roads and highways become heavily congested, leading to traffic jams that can last for hours. Despite these hardships, the spirit of mudik remains resilient.

The Indonesian government has taken steps to improve the experience, such as implementing free homecoming programs and enhancing transportation infrastructure. In 2024, a survey revealed that the public satisfaction rate for mudik reached 89%, indicating significant improvements in the overall experience.

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Malaysia

In Malaysia, the tradition of returning home for Eid is known as balik kampung, which translates to “return to the village.” Millions of Malaysians leave urban centers to reconnect with family and celebrate the festive season. With about 70% of Kuala Lumpur’s 1.6 million population originating from other parts of the country, this period witnesses a massive migration that transforms highways into bustling arteries of travel.

Motorists embarking on balik kampung journeys often face challenging conditions. Traffic congestion is a common issue, with peak periods leading to severe delays. Journeys that typically take four hours can extend to 12 or more as millions of vehicles fill the roads, especially when holiday breaks fall immediately before or after weekends.

The Authorities have intercepted thousands of vehicles attempting unauthorized travel in the past; for example, over 3,000 vehicles were ordered to turn back after trying to cross state borders without proper documentation in 2020. Despite these challenges, the festive atmosphere prevails, as families eagerly await reunions and traditional celebrations that make the long journey worthwhile.

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India

@ Gulf News

For Indian Muslims, Eid homecoming is not just about traveling across states—it’s often about crossing continents. With a diaspora of over 9 million Indians in the Gulf countries alone, airports see a surge in travelers heading back to Indian cities.

Last year, airfares on West Asia-India routes soared by 50% during Eid holidays. According to aviation consultancy CAPA India, in 2023, the two-way traffic between India and West Asia exceeded 33 million passengers, making this one of the most significant international travel waves of the year. The UAE alone was responsible for around 57% of all traffic, followed by Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Domestic travel isn’t any easier. Trains operate at full capacity, and highways become bottlenecks as buses and private vehicles navigate their way home. Yet, for those who make it, the payoff is priceless—family reunions filled with laughter, traditional Eid feasts, and a deep sense of belonging.

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Pakistan

@ Global Times

In Pakistan, Eid homecoming is a massive migration event, as millions leave major cities to reunite with their families. A Gallup & Gilani Pakistan survey found that in 2024, 68% of Pakistanis celebrated Eid in their city of residence, while 29% traveled to their ancestral villages and 2% to other cities, the rest didn’t disclose their plans.

As Eid approaches, Islamabad and Rawalpindi see a rush of travelers at bus terminals like Pirwadhai, Soan, Faizabad, and Karachi Company, as well as railway stations. Special trains and extra buses are arranged, yet ticket counters remain packed, with people struggling to find seats. Those who did not book in advance must compete for last-minute rides, leading to long queues, arguments, and occasional scuffles.

The federal capital, Islamabad, home to many from Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, becomes eerily quiet during Eid as residents leave. Those who stay behind find the city sleepier than usual. The annual homecoming tradition remains a deeply emotional and essential part of Eid in Pakistan.

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Bangladesh

@ The Business Standard

Eid al-Fitr in Bangladesh is more than a religious festival, it is a nationwide celebration that brings communities together. With around 91% of the country’s 175 million people being Muslim, Eid stands as the most significant holiday.

One of its defining traditions is the mass homecoming, where millions of people leave Dhaka for their rural hometowns every year. This migration, driven by the cultural importance of reuniting with family, transforms cities and transportation hubs.

In 2023, over 1.2 million people departed Dhaka in a single day, leading to extreme congestion and delays. Despite these logistical challenges, the desire to celebrate Eid at home remains unwavering, underscoring the deep-rooted traditions of Eid.

Beyond its social and cultural aspects, Eid also has a substantial economic impact in Bangladesh. Retail sectors, especially clothing and footwear, experience a surge in sales. The festival drives consumer spending to its peak, fueling economic activity across the country. While the mass movement of people strains infrastructure, the spirit of Eid remains unchanged—centered on family, tradition, and nationwide festivity.

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