Eid-ul-Fitr in India: PM Modi, President Kovind extend greetings

Muslims in India celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with full religious ardour amidst closed mosques due to COVID-19 pandemic on Monday, May 25.

The old city areas, which are usually crowded during Ramadan as people go for shopping to buy new clothes for the festival, wore a deserted look.

People have been advised by Shahi Imams of Jama Masjid and Fatehpuri Masjid to stay indoors and offer Eid namaz at their homes and following proper health precautions.

He further appealed to people to take precautions and maintain social distancing. “We should stay away from shaking hands and hugging. We should follow the government’s guidelines,” Imams said.

Eid Greetings:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to extend his heartiest Eid greetings to everyone.

He wrote, “Eid Mubarak! Greetings on Eid-ul-Fitr. May this special occasion further the spirit of compassion, brotherhood and harmony. May everyone be healthy and prosperous.”

Eid Mubarak!

Greetings on Eid-ul-Fitr. May this special occasion further the spirit of compassion, brotherhood and harmony. May everyone be healthy and prosperous.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 25, 2020

Whereas, President of India, Ram Nath Kovind via his Twitter handle wished everyone a blessed Eid-ul-Fitr.

Eid Mubarak! This festival is an expression of love, fraternity, peace & harmony. Eid reaffirms our belief in sharing with & caring for the vulnerable & needy. Let us carry the spirit of giving (Zakaat) on this Eid and follow social distancing norms to contain coronavirus spread.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 25, 2020

Muslim religious leaders in Rajasthan have appealed to the community to stay home and avoid any religious or social gathering during Eid-ul-Fitr, as the administration deployed additional security personnel to ensure strict compliance with social-distancing norms.

While extending greetings to the people on the eve of Eid, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot appealed to the community to follow lockdown norms and maintain social-distancing on the occasion.

“The festival of Eid brings the message of happiness to the Rozedars. Eid teaches us to help people, destitute and needy, and to maintain humanity and brotherhood by eradicating mutual discrimination,” Gehlot said.

He appealed to the Muslim community to offer Eid prayers at home and follow the lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Normally, Eid is a joyous occasion wherein families and friends get together to celebrate the day. People wish each other ‘Eid Mubarak’ and exchange hugs and gifts. They wear new clothes and step out. However, this year, due to the pandemic, certain restrictions are in place and Eid will naturally be different.