Karachiites celebrate Eid with simplicity, religious fervor

The deadly plane crash almost spoiled the traditional festivities of Eidul Fitr as Karachiites who continue to reel under effects of Covid-19, opted to celebrate the mega religious event with simplicity and religious fervor.
Special prayers were offered for the well being of country. The scholars highlighted the significance and philosophy of Eidul Fitr and stressed the need upon helping the needy ones during the lockdown.
Religious scholars acknowledged the services of health professionals against the deadly global pandemic and prayed for the safety and protection of the nation.
Unlike previous years, parks, playgrounds, beaches, cinemas and other recreational/entertainment venues remained closed for the entry of visitors. Most of the citizens avoided traditional gatherings of family and friends, feasts, and merriment this year. Only limited dishes were cooked at homes.
Prime Minister Imran Khan in his message on social media said "I want our nation to observe this Eid in a different manner from the usual celebratory style. First, let us think of and pray for all those families who have been deprived of their loved ones by the plane crash tragedy & all those who have lost their lives to Covid-19."
In compliance with the govt SOPs pertaining to social distancing to prevent further spread of Covid-19, the Eid sermons were limited in some mosques, many preferred to offer prayers at their homes. Besides that, large gatherings of Eid prayers were also witnessed at various open places, mosques, and Eidgahs violating govt SOPs of social distancing.
Children under 12 years of age, and elders older than 50 were banned from attending the prayers, according to the safety guidelines issued by the government, however people of all ages were seen offering Eid prayers at different venues.
Some private housing societies barred outsiders to attend Eid prayer as precautionary measure to prevent Covid-19.
Markets and shopping centers remained packed with the customers prior Eid as the government relaxed month-long lockdown restrictions following strong protest from the trading community. The traders' representatives however complained of limited time given for opening of shops by the government. Blaming the lockdown for affecting the purchasing power of a common man, they said the Eid related sale remained low this year.
Many took to social media, requesting people to celebrate Eid festivities in a simple manner saying the nation going through a crucial cross road due to the global pandemic.
PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari took to twitter appealing "Let's dedicate Eidul Fitr to our martyrs, our healthcare workers, our doctors, our nurses, our paramedics and everyone else who's putting themselves in danger to save us."
A number of people, who have been fired from their jobs, could not even do Eid shopping for their children and family members due to severe financial constraints. "I could not purchase new cloths to my children for this Eid," said Shaban Ali, a resident of Malir Ghazi Town, who lost his job a couple of months ago.