Subdued Eidul Azha celebrations in twin cities
Amidst tight security, Eidul Azha occasion was celebrated with religious zeal but in a muted manner this year due to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) restrictions.
Congregational prayers were offered at more than 2,500 sites under standard operating procedures (SOPs). They were guarded by more than 4,000 police personnel.
The largest congregations were organised at Liaquat Bagh, Eid Gah Sharif, Government Gordon College, Liaquat Bagh Sports Complex, and on Mall Road.
Worshippers arriving for prayers were given hand sanitizer at the entry points while they were scanned for their body temperatures as well.
In India, Eid celebrations are not restricted to Muslims alone
Adiala Jail Superintendent Asghar Ali offered Eid prayers with over 4,000 inmates at the prison. On the occasion, the official said that they hated crime, not the criminals, adding that the provision of basic facilities was the right of every human being.
Later, he distributed gifts amongst juveniles at the jail.
Price hikes
A hike in the prices of vegetables, spices, and barbeque accessories left locals frustrated. These prices, however, started to climb down on Monday as the Eidul Azha festivities waned.
Since last Friday, the rate of a kilogramme (kg) of lemons was Rs300, while ginger was selling for a whopping Rs500 per kg. The prices of tomatoes surged to Rs250 while a bunch of mint leaves was available for Rs40.
Similarly, prices of coal, a critical item for barbeques, also went up overnight. On the first day of Eid, prices of coal hiked to Rs 100 per kg from Rs 60 per kg.
The rates of skewers remained at Rs240 per dozen while those of good quality were available for Rs500 per dozen. The price of barbeque grills also went up due to increasing demand.
Moreover, make-shift butchers sharpened their knives during Eidul Azha. Many ‘seasonal butchers’ failed to control sacrificial animals such as cows and bulls.
As a result, at least three butchers were injured while attempting to take down a cow in the Dhok Kala Khan area. The bull managed to flee.
Crowded cemeteries
All 55 cemeteries in the city remained crowded as people visited graves of their deceased loved ones.
Eid celebrated with religious fervour in Quetta
People laid garlands and offered prayers. Due to increasing demand, the rates of rose petals per kg went up from Rs100 to Rs450, while rates of blankets, made of artificial flowers, varied between Rs150 and Rs300. The prices of those prepared with fresh flowers were Rs700 to Rs1,000.
The district administration also disinfected all graveyards.
Parks closed
All 54 large and small parks and other recreational spots in the city remained shut on Eid as part of preventive measures against the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. This included Jungle Kingdom, Dam Park, theatres, and cinemas.
As an alternative, many families turned to spend their time on the green belts, going for long-drives, arranging barbeques with family and friends or seeking out less-frequented spots on the outskirts of the city.
In Islamabad, people were turned away in droves from popular destinations such as Daman-e-Koh and Murree.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 4th, 2020.