Amid spurt in cases, no Eidgah namaz this yr

PANAJI: Eid-ul-fitr namaz will not be held at any mosque or eidgah in the state owing to the rise in the number of Covid cases.
Only custodians and caretakers of masjids will be allowed inside the mosques for namaz, the Association of All Goa Muslim Jamaats said on Tuesday.
The association has appealed to Muslims across the state to perform the namaz at home and avoid organising any gathering/congregation for the prayer. Eid-ul-fitr is scheduled to be held this week. “In view of the state curfew implemented by the government of Goa from May 9 to 24 due to the second wave of the pandemic that has hit our state, the executive members of the association appeal to members of the community to follow certain standard operating procedures towards Eid-ul-Fitr,” a letter of appeal by the association read.
They also appealed to people to wear a mask, maintain Covid-19 appropriate behaviour and to stay at home.
The hilal committee of Goa will meet on Wednesday to decide on the sighting of the moon and announce its decision regarding the date of Eid soon after. The committee also appealed to people to donate fitra before Eid.
“Let’s all pray for the safety of our frontline workers like doctors, paramedical staff, police personnel, etc, and for the end of the virus,” the letter read.