Muted Eid festivities across India amid pandemic
- 14 May 2021
Gulf Today Report
Eid Al Fitr festivities celebrated by India's around 200 million Muslims to mark the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan were generally subdued on Friday.
Most states have imposed full or partial lockdowns and many mosques were either shut or following social distancing measures during prayers.
"The good thing is that everyone is following and celebrating Eid inside their homes," said Maulana Khalid Rashid, a cleric in the city of Lucknow.
Television has broadcast images of families weeping over the dead in rural hospitals or camping in wards to tend the sick, while bodies have washed up in the Ganges as crematoriums are overwhelmed and wood for funeral pyres is in short supply.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister and party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday greeted the nation on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr.
"Eid Mubarak to all fellow citizens! This festival is an occasion to strengthen the spirit of fraternity and rededicate ourselves to the service of humanity. Let us resolve to deal with Covid-19 by following the guidelines and to work for the well-being of the society and the country," the president tweeted.
The prime minister also took to Twitter and wrote, "Best wishes on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. Praying for everyone's good health and well-being. Powered by our collective efforts, may we overcome the global pandemic and work towards furthering human welfare. Eid Mubarak!"
Rahul Gandhi said, "In this difficult time, helping each other with brotherhood is the lesson of every religion -- this has been the tradition of our country. Happy Eid to all."
"Wish you all a very happy Eid. On this auspicious occasion of Eid, I pray for good health and happiness of all. Help everyone. Standing together during happiness and sorrow has been the strength of our country. Eid Mubarak," Priyanka Gandhi tweeted.