Subdued Eid al-Adha celebrations in region amid COVID-19 pandemic

In the midst of the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, Muslims across Assam celebrated Eid-Al-Adha or as it is popularly known, Bakr Eid, adhering to all safety protocols on Saturday.

In the midst of the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, Muslims across Assam celebrated Eid-Al-Adha or as it is popularly known, Bakr Eid, adhering to all safety protocols on Saturday. In Guwahati, following the restrictions imposed by the administration almost all the mosques allowed a gathering of five people for performing Namaz on the occasion.

People in Guwahati gathered at Masjids and Idgahs adhering to social distancing norms and wearing face masks, which has been made mandatory by the administration.

In Assam, there have been calls by local Muslim organisations who have called upon the people to stay at home and observe the festival within a safe perimeter.

Eid celebrations in Assam’s Sivasagar district remained rather subdued with restrictions on gathering of people due to the COVID-19 onslaught. Only five people were allowed to gather at a mosque for Namaz which the people are observing in a bid to keep themselves safe in the midst of the pandemic.

Like any other celebration, COVID-19 marred the Eid celebrations in Meghalaya as well with people left to pray from the confinement of their homes. The Idgah of Madina Masjid which would otherwise have been full of people, praying and greeting each other looked desolated.

General Secretary of the Shillong Muslim Union, Noor Nongrum greeted everyone on the occasion and requested people to pray for the frontline workers, those infected with COVID-19 and overall well being and health.

Bakr Eid, celebrations in Sikkim also have been hit. With the lockdown imposed in the state, Jama masjid which is the largest mosque in Gangtok remained largely empty today.

Most people preferred staying indoors and offered prayers from safe distance. Jama Masjid’s executive member talked about the circumstances under which Eid is being observed this year.

Meanwhile, Eid celebrations in Tripura have also been quite subdued. The extension of lockdown in the state has imposed strict restrictions over Eid festivities.

Almost no gathering of people was witnessed in the state today. The famous Gedumiya Mosque in Agartala wore a largely deserted look today. No gathering of any sort was seen at the mosque, which otherwise remain crowded on the occasion of Eid each year.

Eid celebrations in Arunachal Pradesh have also been hit hard due to the Covid pandemic. Mosques in Itanagar remained shut today as lockdown in the capital complex continues.

People have preferred to stay indoors and not risk contracting the virus at any form of gathering.

In Manipur, with Mosques across the state remaining closed due to the pandemic, Bakr Eid was celebrated indoors and people offered their prayers at home.

Governor Dr Najma Heptulla and Chief Minister Biren Singh also extended their greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Zuha, also known as the festival of sacrifice.

CM N Biren Singh further added, avoiding social gathering and maintaining social distancing are the key measures to break the chain of infection, he also exhorted the people to restrict the celebration by offering ritual prayers in the safety of their homes.

Despite the missing fanfare people celebrated Eid in a new light and spirit praying for relief from the Coronavirus and hoping things will be better in the coming years.

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