COVID-19 dampens Eid festivity in Silchar

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR: The traditional enthusiasm and gaiety among Muslim brethren to celebrate Eid-UL-Fitre was missing today across the valley of Barak. There was neither holy congregation nor address by Islamic scholars or Imams at the two sprawling and spacious Itkhola or Tikarbasti Idgah of this town. After prayers the usual exchange of greetings were also meeting. Quite significantly, Muslims of all ages preferred to stay indoors in their homes and celebrate the holy festival. Well to do families, as told by senior journalist Bahar Uddin Choudhury, with lot of spaces at their buildings did assemble together in small number to offer prayers, maintaining social distance.

The shadow of Covid 19, the great human calamity, has affected the holy celebration, admitted Choudhury. But, every law abiding citizen irrespective of religious has to follow the guidelines strictly to save oneself and others. After all, Eid is the month of self restraint, dedication and sacrifice. Economic recession has hit hard the festival. The poor and the lower middle class could hardly get new dresses. Alms-giving, the great ideal, to people in distress was not for all but for a select fortunate. What the devout Muslims missed most this day were the speeches of celebrated Islamic scholars, Nurul Islam and Shabir Ahmed.

Another factor which kept the Eid celebration a low key affair was the absence of dear and near ones of family stranded in other states of the country. Many on studies and job assignments in middle- east countries could not reach home this time. Lockdown has taken away the very spirit of the celebration. Most appreciable has been the cooperation of the Muslims with the district administration in maintaining law and order. Kudos should go to masjid committees of the valley who have not allowed any crowding in their seminaries. Deputy Speaker of Assam Assembly, Aminul Haque Laskar, president of Boro Masjid of this town, has been on the forefront to appeal to people to follow strictly the guidelines of Lockdown.

Caption:Eid-UL-Fitre prayers being offered on an open field by devout Muslims of Sonai, maintaining social distance, 20 kms from here.