Bakr-Eid 2021: COVID guidelines issued in states as festivities begin

Also known as Eid-al-Adha, Bakr-eid is the festival of sacrifice. As per Muslim belief, the occasion commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s (God’s) command. 

This year would be the second consecutive Bakr-eid that will be celebrated amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Just like last year, various authorities have asked people to follow certain guidelines to avoid any COVID-19 outbreak during the festival. 

Also read: 5 family-favourite Bakr-eid recipes to enjoy with your loved ones

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of possible ‘catastrophic consequences’ of the holiday in the Middle East and North Africa as COVID-19 cases aggravated by the Delta variant surged in the region in the past weeks. The festivities begin on Monday, July 19 and the holiday will go on till Friday, July 23. 

Here are guidelines certain state governments in India have issued: 

Maharashtra:

1) The Maharashtra government has asked people to offer prayers at home since religious places have been shut down owing to Covid-19 restrictions. Worshippers will not be allowed at mosques.

2) Online purchase or shopping of meat over calls will be allowed as livestock markets are shut.

  Also Read | Kerala’s easing of COVID curbs for Eid reaches top court, experts worried

3) Citizens have been asked to make symbolic sacrifices.

4) The restrictions put in place will continue and no relaxation will be given due to COVID-19.

5) Crowding at public places will not be allowed.

6) Any other rule introduced keeping in mind the COVID-19 situation will have to be complied with. Rules introduced by local authorities will also have to be complied with. Citizens are urged to use hand sanitizer and masks in order to curb the chain of transmission

Also read: Some simple tips to make your Bakr-Eid outfit fashionable

Uttar Pradesh

1) No more than 50 people will be permitted to participate in prayer offerings for Eid-ul-Azha (Bakrid) celebrations

2) Namaz (prayer) will be offered between 8 AM to 11 AM in line with COVID-19 protocols

3) During the offering of Namaz, wearing face masks, maintaining social distancing and frequent sanitisation will be mandatory

4) The sacrifice of animals will be allowed at homesBanned animals are not permitted for sacrifice

Kerala 

1) The ease of restrictions is applicable only in localities where the average test positivity rate is less than 15%.

2) In areas where the spread is higher than the safety threshold of 15%, the relaxations will kick in only for one day on Bakrid eve on Monday.

Also read: In Mecca, women set off on hajj as ‘guardian’ rule cast aside

3) Jewellery showrooms, home appliance showrooms and stores selling electronic goods will be opened at 7 AM to admit customers. All establishments have to close at 8 PM before the State-wide night curfew starts an hour later.

4) Mosques, temples and churches admitted worshippers in limited numbers. Managements to limit the number of worshippers at a time to less than 40.

5) Worshippers are insisted to bring their prayer mats, rinse in running water, observe physical distance and wear masks.

6) Beauty parlours and barbershops can function on alternate weekdays in localities where the average TPR is less than 10%. However, the government has allowed them to admit customers between 7 AM and 8 PM on all days in the run-up to Bakrid.

7) Meat, fish, fruit and provision stores registered brisk business as festival shoppers stocked up for Bakrid celebrations.

8) Fully vaccinated persons entering Kerala are no more required to produce RT-PCR negative certification. They need to carry their COVID-19 vaccination completed certificate.