Eid-ul-Fitr celebrated with low key affair, no congregational prayers held

Police men stand guard outside a mosque in Jammu. —Excelsior/Rakesh
Police men stand guard outside a mosque in Jammu. —Excelsior/Rakesh

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 24: Eid-ul-Fitr, marking culmination of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, was celebrated with religious gaiety by the Muslim community here today, even as no congregational prayers were held at the Eidgah because of COVID-19 lockdown.
Due to restrictions and appeals made by Muslim Ulmas, congregational Eid prayers were not organized at the Eidgah Ground, near Residency Road in Jammu and other places. Police was also deployed near the Eidgah Ground and prominent mosques for not allowing people to assemble in big number because of COVID-19 threat.
Even as the ongoing lockdown dampened enthusiasm of the Eid, people celebrated the festival with religious gaiety and fervor by offering prayers at their respective homes and avoided large gatherings to prevent spread of Coronavirus pandemic.
In the Muslim dominated areas like Talab Khatikan, Gujjar Nagar, Mohalla Ustad and Bhatinidi etc, people followed social distancing norms and were seen wearing masks while visiting the markets and greeting each others on the occasion.
Reports from other parts of Jammu division also said that the Eid festival was celebrated with religious gaiety without congregational prayers even as small gathering were seen in some mosques. However, social distancing norms were almost followed by everyone.
Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir had last evening announced that Shawwal moon was sighted and therefore the Eid-ul-Fitr would be celebrated on Sunday even as the Government has declared Eid holiday on Monday. In other parts of India, the Eid festival is being celebrated tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Lt Governor G C Murmu, his Advisors and Chief Secretary besides leaders of all political parties, including former Chief Ministers Dr Farooq Abdullah, his son Omar Abdullah and others greeted people on the occasion.

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