Guwahati: Eid-ul-Adha, the second biggest festival of the Muslim community will be celebrated in July 21which is also known as ‘Qurbani Eid’.
In the midst of the COVID-19 situation, people of the Islam community across the country and the state are getting ready to celebrate the festival.
Muslim people living In Guwahati have decided to celebrate the festival in a minimal way following the traditional and religious customs.
For the second time, the celebrations will be minimal amid surging cases following all the COVID-19 protocols. With 2 days reaming for the festivals Markets in Guwahati are deserted.
On Thursday Kamrup (Metropolitan) Deputy Commissioner Biswajit Pegu met a group of Muslim community leaders to discuss about the Eid prayers and arrangements.
As per the meeting Prayers will have to be offered from homes as the COVID19 SOP (standard operating procedure) is in place and it prohibits gatherings at religious places.
DC Pegu stated that the pandemic is showing no decline with deaths being reported every day. Moreover, there is an increase in the positivity rate in Kamrup(Metro).
Biswajit Pegu said that the COVID19 SOP is still applicable and everyone should follow it. “As per our SOP, gathering should be avoided at religious places. So, we informed the community members that they cannot use the Mosque and Idgah for prayers. Prayers will have to be offered from homes.”
Last year too, the lockdown had dampened the festivities and devotees were asked to offer prayers at their homes.
Markets in the city are deserted due to the ongoing pandemic situation.
Popular shopping stops such as Fancy Bazar, Silpukhuri, Ganeshguri, Zoo Tiniali, etc. are doing their best to ensure maximum footfall. But due to the pandemic situation, the markets are witnessing low footfall.
The ban on inter-district travel has also hit the market as people from other districts are not able to come to the Guwahati markets for Eid shopping.
Mohammad Murtaza, Secretary, Athgaon Cemetery Committee, has appealed to the people to ensure that no one violates the COVID-19 protocols set by the administration on the day of Eid and wishes the people of the state a happy Eid-ul-Adha
