Virtual hugs, bonding, delicacies mark city’s Eid celebrations

Nagpur: The holy month of Ramzan came to a close with Muslims across the city celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr with zeal and enthusiasm. Dressed up in traditional attire, members of the community enjoyed the day amid pious chanting of prayers and savouring lipsmacking delicacies.
After waiting eagerly for the moon to grace the night sky (chaand raat) on Sunday, Muslims broke their their fasts, followed by offering ‘Eid ki namaz’. “The power of the moon is the significant factor. We always hope for clear skies so that we can catch a glimpse of the moon and put on best of clothes. Thereafter, we begin the feast. The wait for the moon to appear is long sometimes but worth it,” said Swaima Ahmed, an educator who enjoyed sheer khurma and family time.
Muzzamil Siqqui, a private sector employee, experienced the festival with his loved ones at home. “We did not sight the moon of May 23. Hence, we were excited for chand raat. After sighting the moon, our excitement knew no bounds. Finally, the holy month of fasting and praying came to an end with a glance of the beautiful moon” he said.
The community waits every year for the pious occasion dedicated to praying and offering namaz to the almighty, seek his blessings and exchange hugs thereafter. But this time, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation had issued strict guidelines regarding the festival amid Covid-19 fears. Accordingly, many attended online sermons and watched videos on the occasion
“All the community members offered prayers at home by coming together, bowed their heads, and sought guidance from his holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin. Rozdaars watched the live telecast of his blessings inside the comfort of their homes,” said Tayyeb Arif.
Javed Ansari, a cloth merchant, believes that this was a historical Eid as he got time to indulge into praying, fasting and feasting with his family. Like many others, he too had to face loss in business. “Even though my business was shut, following the rules was important to us. I will always remember this Eid as it was the most peaceful and pious one for us. Soon, everything will be normal and we will get back to business,” he said.
Children too got their token of love in the form of ‘Eidi’.
Many Muslims gave away zakat, a form of charity during Eid. They gorged on the delicacies served on the table with their families and friends. But owing to Covid-19 fears, they could not venture out this time to taste the delicious street food. However, many of them feel that the lockdown has surely taught them to make the most of everything
“We celebrated Eid with the same enthusiasm and happiness in our hearts. Though the namaz was offered at home, hugs were exchanged virtually. My mother made delicious sheer khurma and other delicacies,” said Taha Uddin, a law student.