KOLKATA: Bakri Eid prayers were offered in mosques across the city maintaining social distancing norms.
Volunteers ensured the mosques and the area in the vicinity did not get crowded during the prayers and people who could not join the first congregation managed to offer prayers in the following congregations as mosque committees arranged for multiple shifts so that social distancing norms are not flouted, and everybody gets the opportunity to offer prayers.
“People coming to pray were requested to keep distance from other people. Elderlies and children were requested to offer prayers at home,” said a volunteer at Nakhoda Mosque in central Kolkata.
Most sermons revolved around the need to safeguard one’s self, family and society against the pandemic. The imams also spoke of celebrating the festival in manner that it does not inconvenience others.
“The festival is very low key this year due to the pandemic. The safety guidelines by the government, which prohibit us from crowding, are being adhered to. While celebrating the festival, we must follow all norms like wearing masks and maintaining social distance with others. This is essential for the safety of our near and dear ones,” said Shafique Qasmi of Nakhoda Mosque.
A large section of Muslims across the city celebrated the festival without the traditional sacrifice at home. “The business has taken a big hit this year, due to which several families have decided not to opt for the traditional sacrifice this year. While there are others who have senior citizens as family members and they did not want to put them at risk because a lot of people visit households during this time,” said Mohammad Anwar Hussain, a resident of central Kolkata.
Several families arranged for distribution of food among the less fortunate on Saturday. “It is our intentions to serve the less fortunate that matter to the almighty,” said Feroze Khan, a businessman in Park Circus.
Volunteers ensured the mosques and the area in the vicinity did not get crowded during the prayers and people who could not join the first congregation managed to offer prayers in the following congregations as mosque committees arranged for multiple shifts so that social distancing norms are not flouted, and everybody gets the opportunity to offer prayers.
“People coming to pray were requested to keep distance from other people. Elderlies and children were requested to offer prayers at home,” said a volunteer at Nakhoda Mosque in central Kolkata.
Most sermons revolved around the need to safeguard one’s self, family and society against the pandemic. The imams also spoke of celebrating the festival in manner that it does not inconvenience others.
“The festival is very low key this year due to the pandemic. The safety guidelines by the government, which prohibit us from crowding, are being adhered to. While celebrating the festival, we must follow all norms like wearing masks and maintaining social distance with others. This is essential for the safety of our near and dear ones,” said Shafique Qasmi of Nakhoda Mosque.
A large section of Muslims across the city celebrated the festival without the traditional sacrifice at home. “The business has taken a big hit this year, due to which several families have decided not to opt for the traditional sacrifice this year. While there are others who have senior citizens as family members and they did not want to put them at risk because a lot of people visit households during this time,” said Mohammad Anwar Hussain, a resident of central Kolkata.
Several families arranged for distribution of food among the less fortunate on Saturday. “It is our intentions to serve the less fortunate that matter to the almighty,” said Feroze Khan, a businessman in Park Circus.
