Assam brims with enthusiasm to celebrate Eid after a 2-year hiatus

Guwahati: After a month-long fasting, Muslims across the state, in sync with the rest of the country and around the world, are all set to celebrate the holy festival of Eid-ul-Fitre on Tuesday without Covid-19 curbs.
The skyrocketing prices of food, fuel, LPG and also of apparel could not dampen the spirit of the festival as people thronged the markets and shopping malls after a two-year hiatus for the pandemic. Fancy Bazar, the business hub of the state, was flooded with shoppers on Saturday and Sunday.
Traders said the recently concluded Bohag Bihu festival was the first festival to revive their business after being hit hard by the pandemic for two years. “Eid-ul-Fitre has brought more hope to stabilise business,” a trader at Fancy Bazar said.
Nekibur Zaman, chairman, state Haj committee, government of Assam, said, “For the first time after the pandemic, people will celebrate the festival without any fear of restrictions. Two Eidgah maidams have been readied for namaz.” However, he said price hike has been a major concern as it has become difficult for families with lower incomes to afford food and other things. “People will have to celebrate with limitations,” he added.
Ahidul Ali, a private sector employee, said his family was too excited to celebrate the festival. He bought a frock for his only daughter and a saree for his wife. “Prices are really high. Still, I have managed it as we are going to celebrate the festival after a long gap,” he added.