Amid a complete lockdown in Telangana State, huge crowds gathered in Hyderabad’s Charminar area for Eid shopping on the 13th of May. These activities challenge the containment of the spread of the novel coronavirus for which lockdown was imposed in the first place.
Telangana already has close to 60,000 active cases in the state as per the records and the numbers are increasing with each passing day. Though there was a four-hour relaxation of the lockdown from 6am to 10am in the state. However, in Charminar’s old quarters’ thousands were seen shopping for the holy festival of Eid at the Madina market.
Due to this, there were multiple traffic jams for hours in and around the area and it is concerning to see that most of the faces are not masked let alone the concept of double masking.
Predicting the situation, Telangana Home Minister Mohammad Mahmood Ali ordered that not more than four people can offer prayers at any mosque in the state during Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr namaz, or Friday prayers. No public gatherings will be allowed in open places and people must offer prayers at their homes peacefully, the minister said, further adding that this time the severity of the virus is seen far worse and “we must take every measure to contain the spread”. MP Asaduddin Owaisi also urged people that given the situation, it is safe for everyone to pray at home this Eid.
When a reputed news channel of the state tried to talk to the people that gathered there, they claimed that “We are here to buy dry fruits, fruits, and ingredients for the preparation of haleem. Eating such healthy food that boosts our immunity, we do not have to fear contacting the coronavirus”. Though the state has seen a small decrease in the number of positive cases, such situations and the lack of knowledge within the people is concerning every one of what lies ahead in this pandemic situation.
However, in these tough times, the Almighty and festivals are one of the very few things that can bring a smile to everyone’s face. However, large gatherings need to be contained as much as possible to get us out of these daunting times. Staying at home, offering prayers, making the feast, and enjoying it with immediate family is the best we can do to keep everyone around us safe.
On that note, Eid Mubarak, Everyone! Stay Home, Stay Safe.