Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations a low-key affair across Hailakandi

A CORRESPONDENT

HAILAKANDI: Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations in South Assam's Hailakandi district turned out to be a low-key affair on Monday as most of the believers suffered by getting confined inside the four walls of their homes.

The major mosques and iddgahs bore a forlorn look. Some of the major mosques have been compelled by the ongoing situation to put up banners carrying the message that no congregational prayers should be offered in their premises. The Muslims of not only Hailakandi but the entire nation seem to be the worst sufferers at this crucial juncture.

"We should comply with the lockdown guidelines for our own good. It is always better to be cautious regarding such highly infectious diseases. Everyone should religiously follow the rules and guidelines established by the government," said Enamul Barbhuiyan, one of the many sufferers. The district administration had already urged the community to abide by the norms fixed by them. An outcry of another sufferer that they were offering namaaz indoors for the first time is enough to show how the community is suffering at the behest of this ongoing crisis all over the world. "We will continue to pray so that the country is able to get rid of COVID-19 at the earliest" was the comment of a government employee of Katlicherra Revenue Circle, delivering the humane aspect of man's persona.

"Every year, we used to gather at mosques on the festival day. This year, we prayed together with our family members, and it was a rare opportunity", said Sariful Laskar, a businessman, who must have also suffered like all other businessmen throughout the country. "Muslims donate about 2.5% of their income to the needy people during Ramzan. Even grocery kits are being distributed to several needy people. Depending on their financial status, almost all members are reaching out to the needy."