Eid this year will be filled with virtual hugs and homemade delicacies, say Hyderabadis

The holy month of fasting has come to an end as Eid is to be celebrated on Monday.
Eid-Ul-Fitr is a grand celebration every year for many across the country; however the spirit of the festival this year has been dampened by the pandemic. Every year, thousands congregate for the namaz which is followed by massive feasts, visits to family and friends, exchanging gifts, shopping, getting dressed up, applying henna and more.But all the communal aspects of Eid this year have been put on hold as the government and even clerics have urged people to offer namaz at home and celebrate with immediate family only.
Many Hyderabadi Muslims in the city have prepared to celebrate Eid in a low key manner this year. Some of them have opted to give up shopping and choosing to spend that money on coronavirus relief this year. Shamshuddin’s usual Eid involves his friends and of course, shopping but not this year. “Ramzan is a special month and attending namaz with family and friends is something I would look forward to,” says the youngster from Mallepally, adding, “While I miss celebrating Eid this year with friends, I have decided to forgo shopping too this year. I’m using that money to provide essentials to others who cannot afford to celebrate Eid.”

Syeda Asiya, a resident of Erragadda says they have no choice but to accept the new normal. “For the safety of my family and others, we will offer namaz at home, cook delicacies, wear clothes that are clean as we haven’t had a chance to buy new ones and video-call all the relatives who would usually visit home on Eid. Plus, the little ones will be made to feel special and still get their Eidi like every year as we can transfer the money online instead. I feel Eid is all about celebrating with your family, even if you can’t meet them in person,” she says.
Despite the on-going pandemic and lockdown, retaining the essence of Eid is all that matters, believes Mohammed Azam Ali Abrar. “Thanks to technology shopping at Charminar has been replaced by window shopping online this year,” says the resident of Abids, adding, “But despite it all, one thing has remained unchanged, and that is we will get to savour homemade delicacies. While we’re unable to share food with friends and neighbours like we do every year, there’s some joy in exchanging recipes.”

Rameez, a techie from the city working in Bengaluru rues being stranded there. “This will be my first Eid elsewhere. I miss my family but I’m stranded due to the pandemic. I really miss my mom’s food and fun conversations with my sisters,” he says, adding, “I miss the whole vibe of Eid here. My heart goes out to everyone else who are unable to visit their hometowns as above everything else, Eid is all about spreading joy with your friends and family.”