Islamabad : Eidul Fitr celebrations continued in Rawalpindi amidst coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) but in a restrained manner as everybody was cautious that their safety is in their own hands. They thought that if they remained safe, they would be also be keeping their family, neighbours and the country safe.
“Before starting Eid celebrations we turned up at the Mohallah Masjid to offer Eid prayers by maintaining safe distance. Getting back home, we were received by the delicious aroma of mum cooking ‘biryani’. Family members gathered around the dining table and the sound of the seniors talking could be heard. It was more of a family affair,” says Syed Akhtar Imam, a student.
Syed Zain Zaidi says: “Eid is a day for happiness, joy and prosperity after completing one full month of devotion in prayers, fasting and eating delicious food throughout the Ramadan month. It’s a day to rejoice where we can spend more time with family and give more time to children as they need it. A few years back, we spent Eid in Murree, enjoying fresh air and relaxing in the mountains, where no cars, buses or crowds could bother us. We had barbecue dinners with family members. Alas, it’s all gone now.”
“This festival is usually celebrated by visiting friends and relatives, hosting parties and sharing foods, but this time we celebrated it under the shadow of Coronavirus Pandemic. Longing for a gathering had intensified because of lockdown so we celebrated it with only family members and close relatives indoors instead of outing around in the wake of Coronavirus Pandemic,” says Ali Raza Alvi.
“Clad in festival attire, all our relatives visited each other’s homes and greeted one another, no matter how much worsening the coronavirus pandemic situation was,” says Nadeem Raza.
“Even in this noiseless Eid, children not only got new clothes and shoes but also received cash gifts called Eidi from their elders, relatives and well-wishers,” says Shuja Rizvi.
“My earlier memories include meeting, embracing and shaking hands with friends and relatives, going out for the movies and eating in restaurants with friends during Eid days. This year a typically joyous three-day celebration has been considerably toned down as Coronavirus Pandemic cases soar. I never imagined that we would have to celebrate Eid in such a way. This was altogether a new experience,” says Shahzad Hussain.
