Eid-ul-Fitr 2020: Here's how you can safely celebrate Eid with your family during the lockdown

Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the most awaited festivals of the year, is just around the corner. Also known as 'festival of breaking the fast', Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims across the world and it marks the end of day-long fasting of Ramadan. On this pious day, people visit mosques or gather in open spaces to take part in communal prayers; they also do charity, organise a feast and visit each other's place to greet and celebrate this festival.

Right now, the world is going through a very uniquely challenging and difficult period. The Coronavirus pandemic has not only exposed the human race to a never-before health risk but has crippled many economies. Social distancing and religiously following the lockdown norms seem to be the only possible solutions to tackle this threat. Under these circumstances, any kind of celebration, including Eid with a large number of people (friends and family, will only expose us to health risks, right?

Keeping in mind the seriousness of the situation, many religious councils/bodies and community leaders have urged people to avoid gatherings. Many mosques have even cancelled the public prayers and have opted for virtual prayers, thereby inspiring people to stay at home. In case, you are wondering how you can safely celebrate Eid with your family during the lockdown, here's what you need to do.

Iftaar, the meal with which Muslims break their fast, is a big part of Eid celebration. Preparations for the feast begin almost a day in advance and varieties of delicacies are cooked for family members and friends. On the evening of Eid, people visit each other's place and have iftaar parties. However, given the current circumstances, people should avoid social visits and instead organise virtual iftaar parties. They can connect through various online platforms and have iftaar at their own place at the same time as their friends and family members.

One of the best ways to beat the gloom is by giving your house a festive look. You can decorate your house with Eid themed decorations. Choose a playlist with religious prayers to suit the occasion. Doing so will not only keep you busy but make everyone feel festive and hopefully they will notice the absence of their friends and relatives a little less.

We all know how charity plays a big part in Eid celebrations. However, instead of going out and meeting the poor and needy people, you should opt for online charity or donations. There are a lot of people who are in dire need of help these days and many organisations (both private and public) are giving such people relief funds and helping them whenever necessary. You can make online donations through these organisations.

It's understood that you would be spending time indoors and that might demotivate you from dressing up. But no festival is complete without dressing up for the occasion, and Eid is no different. You may not have new clothes to wear as all markets and online shops were closed for a long time, but you can always choose something to fit the occasion from your old clothes. Dress up and dab a little ittar, and you will start feeling much better.

Even after your best attempts to keep yourself away from people, if anyone pays you a visit, you should at least try to maintain social distancing while welcoming the guest. Avoid hugging or shaking hands, wear a mask and keep a distance of at least one meter while interacting. And don't forget to sanitize. Have a safe Eid!