STORY OF THE DAY

Premchand – Hindi author from India (1880–1936)

AuthorAnkur8563

licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license

Via WIKIMEDIA COMMONS 

MOSQUE (IDGAH)

SHORT STORY BY MUNSHI PREMCHAND 

Summary

The story is set on the day of Eid, a festival of joy and celebration for Muslims. The central character is a little boy named Hamid, only four or five years old, who lives with his grandmother, Amina. His parents have passed away, and his grandmother is raising him in poverty. Despite their difficult circumstances, she tries to keep Hamid cheerful, telling him his father has gone to earn money and his mother has gone to Allah to bring gifts.

The Festive Morning

On Eid morning, the entire village is filled with excitement. Children put on new clothes, count their pocket money, and look forward to the fair after prayers at the mosque (Idgah). Hamid, however, has only three paisa (a tiny sum), given by his grandmother. He has no new clothes or shoes, yet his spirit is full of faith and cheer. He believes that Allah will provide.

At the Eidgah

Hamid walks with other children to the mosque. The sight of so many people, the festive atmosphere, and the collective prayers fill him with joy. After prayers, the children rush to the fair to buy toys, sweets, and enjoy rides.

The Children’s Purchases

The wealthier children buy clay toys — soldiers, milkmaids, and animals. Others indulge in sweets like jalebi, candy, and sherbet. Hamid watches with wide eyes but keeps his three paisa safe in his pocket, thoughtful and silent.

Hamid’s Unique Choice

As he walks around the fair, Hamid notices a stall selling iron tongs (chimta) used for handling hot chapatis. Suddenly he remembers how his grandmother burns her fingers every day making rotis because she has no tongs.

Instead of toys or sweets like the other children, Hamid decides to buy the iron tongs for three paisa.

Children’s Mockery

When the other children see Hamid with a rough, heavy pair of tongs instead of sweets or toys, they laugh at him. They tease him, saying his tongs are useless for play. But Hamid defends himself cleverly, saying:

His tongs can defeat all their toys in battle — they won’t break like clay toys.

They are stronger than swords or guns.

Most importantly, they will save his grandmother’s fingers from burns.

Gradually, the other children feel ashamed and even begin to admire Hamid’s thoughtfulness.

The Ending

When Hamid returns home and gives the tongs to his grandmother, she is overwhelmed. She had expected him to come crying for sweets or toys, but instead he brought her something useful. Tears roll down her cheeks, but they are tears of love and pride. She hugs Hamid tightly, realizing how wise and selfless her little grandson is.

Themes & Significance

1. Childhood Innocence & Maturity – Hamid shows how even a small child can think beyond momentary pleasures for the sake of loved ones.

2. Poverty & Resilience – The story contrasts the poor and the rich, showing how deprivation can cultivate deeper sensitivity.

3. Selfless Love – Hamid’s sacrifice reflects the purity of love, where he puts his grandmother’s comfort above his own desires.

4. Simple Realism – Premchand’s hallmark is evident: he portrays ordinary people, simple lives, and deep truths with tenderness.

👉 “Idgah” remains one of Premchand’s most beloved short stories — a timeless tale of love, sacrifice, and values shining through poverty.

Grateful thanks to ChatGPT for summarising this beautiful story of Premchand