Coronavirus Dampens Festive Mood On Eid Al-Adha

The festive spirit of Eid al-Adha was subdued in the national Capital on Satur- day with the coronavirus pandemic badly hitting livestock sale for the festival of sacrifice and restricting many people to their homes.

NEW DELHI:

Despite just around 10,000 active COVID-19 cases in Delhi — far better than was feared — and easing of lockdown restrictions, many faithful preferred offering ‘namaaz’ at their homes than visiting mosques.

Those who offered prayers at mosques said a fewer number of people had turned up there, and the mood was not as ebullient as previous years.

Outside the Jama Masjid, the Delhi Police put up signboards requesting people to wear masks and ensure physical distancing while offering namaaz.

Imtiaz Ahmad, who offered prayers at the mosque, said the turn out was way less than before when the crowd would spill on the streets too. People wore masks, carried their own mats and avoided hugging each other, he said.