Just like Eid al-Fitr that is celebrated in May following the month of Ramadan, Eid al-Adha is also a holy celebration for the Muslim community with different traditions and rituals to commemorate this day. This year it will be held from the evening of 30th July until the evening of 3rd August depending on the moon and the Islamic lunar calendar.
Celebrations amid COVID19
Eid celebrations start from gathering in respective mosques with praying routines, performing rituals and then celebrations. Muslims would celebrate this day to represent equality and togetherness by donating meat or money to the poor, gifting meat to the neighbours and have the rest for themselves. They would also visit their relatives just to spend time together on this big happy day.
However, will the celebrations still circulate the same way as it did before now that the pandemic outbreak has happened?
Several countries have been making rules and adjustments to prevent crowded gatherings as much as possible and encouraging people to follow the social distancing rules. The Ministry of Health and Sports (Myanmar, MOHS) has suggested anyone celebrating Eid al-Adha to follow the social distancing rules posted on their website and on their official Facebook page.
Tips on how to apply social distancing during the celebrations would be
- drop off the donations to the poor or at your neighbour’s without contact,
- wear a mask when outside or among a crowd, and
- try to stand as far as possible from another person (min. 6ft).
Eid Mubarak to all our Muslim friends and wishing you all the best year ahead!
