KINS Desk
Srinagar, July 23 (KINS): With large gatherings being prohibited and social distancing rules in place to prevent deadly covid-19, people here in Muslim- majority Kashmir region will have a low key on Eid al-Adha this time. The Eid, is to fall on Aug 1.
Many of rituals and traditions were already disrupted due to the physical distancing norms and the lockdown.
During the lockdown, the people here have changed the way they observe their faith as places of worship have been closed to the public and social distancing rules have been in place.
Eid Al Adha is celebrated with Eid prayers, Qurbani and family gatherings and a feast.
But as large gatherings are prohibited and social distancing rules are still in place, Eid celebrations will look very different this time.
Ajaz Ahmad lives in HMT Srinagar with wife Afroza and their young daughter, Alisa usually, they spend Eid day with both of their families.
“Normally on Eid day, we go to the mosque for Eid prayers. Then we sacrifice animal and spend our time by visiting to our parents, and seeing other relatives before a big get-together at home. But on this EID, the family-of-three will stay at home and make it about Alisa,” he told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS).
Animal sacrifice is the ritual killing of an animal in Islam. Every year on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, , an estimated three lakh fifty thousand animals are being used for the sacrificial ritual (Qurbani) in Kashmir, which approximately amounts to a whopping sum of Rs 3. 50 crore.
Usually the Eid celebrations are held in various gardens here in Srinagar, but due to coronavirus, these celebrations won’t be enjoyed this time.
On Eid day at famous Mugal Gardens and on the banks of Dal lake, the events attracts several people where a funfair is held alongside food vendors, family games, activities and more.
Shabir Ahmad of Bemina said: “Usually I go to Pratap park with my children to celebrate the Eid. This year I have told my kids that we won’t be able to celebrate like the way we used to. I don’t like it but we should listen to Government instructions to save lives. When we get back our normal lives we can celebrate, but now, we just have to wait,” (KINS)
