'Digital salami' gains ground as technology reshapes Eid traditions

The traditional custom of ‘Eid Salami’ is undergoing a significant digital transformation as more people in Bangladesh opt for mobile financial services (MFS) and creative online gift trends to share festive joy.

While Eid-ul-Fitr has long been characterised by children receiving crisp, new banknotes from elders after seeking blessings, current trends show a sharp rise in “Digital Salami.”

This shift is primarily driven by the widespread use of mobile banking and the influence of social media among the younger generation.

With the increasing availability of platforms like bKash, Nagad, and Rocket, the physical distance between relatives is no longer a barrier to the tradition. Many young people now use messaging apps like Messenger and WhatsApp to playfully request Salami, which is then instantly transferred via mobile wallets.

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Industry experts note that this trend gained significant momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued to grow as a convenient and secure alternative to cash. University student Nafis Alam shared that while the nostalgia of fresh banknotes is missed, digital Salami offers a practical and fast way to receive gifts from relatives living far away or abroad.

Shortage of New Banknotes

The surge in digital gifts is also linked to a scarcity of new currency in the market. This year, the central bank did not release new notes for the occasion as part of a broader strategy to reduce printing costs—estimated at nearly Tk20,000 crore annually—and move toward a "cashless economy."

Consequently, the high demand for physical notes has driven up prices in the informal market, where traders charge extra premiums for bundles of new Tk10, Tk20, and Tk100 notes.

Beyond digital transfers, a new aesthetic trend has emerged: "Salami Bouquets." Instead of handing over cash directly, many are now opting for elaborate floral arrangements decorated with currency notes.

Online entrepreneurs have capitalised on this trend, which went viral on social media. Crafting experts like Ismat Ara of “Ara’s Flair” report a massive surge in orders for these customized money bouquets. Making charges for these gifts can range from Tk300 to Tk5,000, depending on the complexity and the number of notes used.

Despite the shift in delivery methods—from physical cash to digital wallets and decorative bouquets—the essence of the tradition remains the same. Islamic scholars and social analysts agree that while the "form" of Salami is changing with technology, the core purpose of spreading happiness and strengthening family bonds remains the heart of the Eid celebration.