Eid Mubarak: Virus dampens the vibrant festive spirit

Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated all over the world with great enthusiasm. It marks the end of the Ramadan fasting month, which is the Islamic year's ninth month.

The holy month of Ramadan was observed across the world very differently this year, with varying lockdowns and safety measures being taken by local communities. 

After weeks of dawn-to-dusk fasting, Eid is usually a time of travel, family get-togethers and lavish daytime celebrations. But this year, many people can only celebrate at home, with virus fears to dampen the festive spirit and strict constraints in places. 

All these years, Altaf Sayyad would generally go to the Chinchwad Eidgah maidan in Pimpri-Chinchwad for special namaz (prayer) on the occasion of Eid. 

This year, he and his family realised the gravity of the situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They knew that going out would be risky. Instead of going out, he and his family decided to stay at home to offer namaz. They celebrated the Eid with Shirkhurma and prayed for the safety and wellbeing of everyone.

He is not alone; many responsible Muslims across India are following safety measures and celebrating Eid within this 'new normal' way.

Sakal Times wishes you, Eid Mubarak!

Texts: Christie Syndor

Photojournalist: Vaibhav Thombare

See also our short video of families observing Ramadan under lockdown as they follow the norms of social distancing. 

Watch video of the holiest sites of Islam, as you have never seen before. These sites would ordinarily be thronged with people during the holy month of Ramadan. Still, due to coronavirus pandemic, these mosques wear an eerie empty look.