Ramadan Eid 2021: Maharashtra government releases guidelines for celebrations

Amid rising coronavirus cases, the Maharashtra government issued guidelines for Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations. Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the culmination of the fasting month, will be celebrated either on May 13 or May 14 depending upon the sighting of the moon.

The government has urged people to celebrate the festival in a simple manner and advised against taking out processions and congregating in view of COVID-19 and the curbs enforced in the state.

Here’s the list of guidelines:

• To curb the spread of COVID-19, Muslims should offer Namaz, perform Taraweeh and have Iftar on Ramadan Eid in their homes without coming together in a mosque or any public place and strictly follow 'Break the Chain' guidelines.
• Do not gather in the mosque as well as in the open space for prayers.
• The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other local administrations have allotted time slots within which the people should make Eid-ul-Fitr related purchases.
• Moreover, officials have advised people not to rush to the market to buy things and overcrowd at public places.
• Keeping in view of section 144, which is imposed in the state, hawkers should not set up stalls on the roads and citizens should not roam on the roads without any reason.
• No procession should be taken out and added religious, social, cultural and political programmes should not be organised.
• It is very necessary to observe social distancing norms, wear face masks and use hand sanitisers on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr.
• Since religious places are closed, religious leaders, social activists, political leaders and NGOs in the Muslim community should raise awareness to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan with simplicity.
• In order to contain the spread of coronavirus, it will be mandatory to comply with the rules prescribed by the government assistance and rehabilitation, health, environment, medical education department as well as the concerned municipalities, police, local administration. If any further instructions are issued after this circular and between the actual period of Ramadan Eid, they should also be complied with.