Eid ul Fitr 2021: India Celebrates Eid Amid COVID-19 Restrictions Today, President Extends Greetings

Eid ul Fitr is being celebrated across India today amod Coronavirus restrictions. The festival depends on the lunar calendar and is celebrated across the world on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar Hijri. In India, the month of Ramadan began on April 14. According to Islamic traditions, the tenth month begins with the sighting of the crescent moon in the sky. The sighting of the moon on the last day of Ramadan confirms the arrival of Eid ul Fitr for the next day. Therefore, Eid ul Fitr is being celebrated in India today, May 14.

NO CONGREGRATIONAL PRAYERS AND GET-TOGETHERS

For the second consecutive year, there will be no congregrational prayers and get- togethers on the occasion of Eid-ul Fitr due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with Muslim clerics here urging the community members to celebrate the festival at home in a simple manner.

Coordinator of Jalna’s ‘Holy Quran Centre’, Abdul Hafiz, said that one-to-one meetings and gatherings during this year’s Eid are a distant dream considering the prevailing coronavirus situation. He, however, said that people can make use of technology to connect with each other virtually.

‘CELEBRATE EID AT HOME’

Top cleric in Uttar Pradesh has also appealed people to celebrate Eid with simplicity at their respective homes. The Islamic Center of India in capital city Lucknow has issued an advisory on the same. “Eid-ul Fitr should be celebrated with simplicity. People should stay inside their homes and follow all Covid-19 protocols which have been imposed for our own safety. People are requested to abide by all guidelines,” said Muslim cleric Maulana Khalid Rashid from Farangi Mahali.

He also asked people to offer Eid prayers at home and pray for everyone’s well being. “People should not go out and meet others. They should congratulate each other through social media platforms. Only five people living in the mosque will offer Eid-ul Fitr prayers. At the same time, pray for the elimination of this disease (coronavirus) after Namaz,” he added.

FESTIVAL OF CHARITY AND GRATITUDE

With the coronavirus pandemic ravaging through the country and other parts of the world, it is expected that Eid celebrations will be low-key. Eid ul Fitr is also known as a festival of charity and gratitude that brings deep spiritual awakening for its followers.

One of the five pillars of Islam is zakat that means charity and on this day followers believe in giving money, food, clothes and other items of necessity to the poor. In fact, many Muslims give Zakat before offering Eid prayers. Children also receive eidi from elders, which can be in the form of money or a gift.

The day signifies the value of togetherness, harmony and celebration of life. After a month of fasting, Eid ul Fitr also brings some hearty feast for its followers. The main dish of this festival is a sweet kheer or seviyan. Other food items include Biryani, kebabs, and nihari.

PRESIDENT EXTENDS EID GREETINGS, URGES ALL TO FOLLOW COVID-19 GUIDELINES

President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday greeted citizens on the eve of Eid ul Fitr and urged all to follow rules and guidelines to defeat the coronavirus pandemic, and work for the well-being of society and the country. In his message, the president said, “The auspicious festival of Eid ul Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is celebrated as an occasion to strengthen the spirit of fraternity and harmony.” Eid ul Fitr is also an occasion to rededicate oneself to the service of humanity and to improve the lives of the people in need, the president said.

“Let us all resolve to deal with this pandemic of Covid-19 by following all the rules and guidelines and work for the well-being of society and the country,” Kovind said. “On the occasion of Eid ul Fitr, I extend my best wishes and greetings to all the fellow citizens, especially to the Muslim brothers and sisters,” the president said in his message.

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