Odisha: Eid missing festive buzz for second year

BHUBANESWAR: Like last time, this year, too, Eid ul Fitr will be without the usual festivities for members of the minority community owing to the resurgence in Covid cases. Given the lockdown imposed in the state to contain the virus, members of the community would offer their Eid prayers at home.
“There is no charm this year too. What to do. The pandemic has made life difficult for us,” said Sahnawaj Hussain, a city-based entrepreneur.
“It is time to pray for all those struggling during the pandemic,” said Md Ammarul Hassan, a final year student at a private engineering college in the city. He lost his father two days ago to Covid.
“We have been observing Ramzan quietly at home following all the restrictions. Similarly, we are going to offer Eid prayer at home,” said Syed Zabihullah, a Mutawalli-cum-chairman of the Odia Bazar mosque committee in Cuttack.
“There will be no new clothes, and no grand feast. We have decided to celebrate Eid in a simple manner this year,” said Sabina Khatun, a housewife. Many in the community too share the same feeling.
On the other hand, business ahead of the festival has been dull owing to the lockdown.