Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of the 10th Islamic month of Shawwal. It also marks the conclusion of Ramadan, the holy month. This year, Eid-Ul-Fitr will be celebrated in India on May 25. And, given the circumstances, people have been urged to take COVID-19 related precautions and maintain social distancing while venturing out on the day.
On Saturday, Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Syed Ahmed Bukhari told news agency ANI, "Eid-ul-Fitr to be celebrated on May 25 as the moon could not be sighted today. It is important that we take precautions and maintain social distancing. We should stay away from shaking hands and hugging. We should follow the government's guidelines."
However, the festival heralding the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, will be celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala today. "Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday as the moon has been sighted," Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir Nasir-ul-Islam told PTI.
This will be perhaps the first time that there will no 'namaz' at mosques across the country as the government has prohibited all kinds of religious gatherings to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Eid 2020 starts after the moon of Shawwal is sighted. This year, Ramadan in India began on April 26. The holy month lasts for one complete moon cycle, which is usually 29 to 30 days. On the day of Eid-ul-Fitr, followers of Islam offer prayers, listen to khutba (sermon) and give zakat (charity). The festival is a time for families and friends to come together and exchange gifts. Elders give Eidi (small gifts) to children.
