The COVID-19 has created a dire situation in the world, and the fear and rules of social distance have eroded the joy of the festivities. The government has appealed to the citizens to celebrate the festival with simplicity. The Maharashtra government has issued guidelines for Bakra Eid (also known as Eid ul Azha) festival. The government has instructed to follow the guidelines strictly during the festival.
The guidelines were issued on Friday after Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, Home Minister Deshmukh and other ministers met earlier this week to discuss issues relating to Baki Eid, which falls at the end of this month.
The six-point guidelines for Bakra Eid issued by Amitabh Gupta, Chief Secretary (Special), Home Department regarding the festival of Eid ul Azha. Last week, Maharashtra Government has issued guidelines for Ganesh Utsav festival also.
1) Due to the contagious situation caused by Coronavirus, all religious activities are banned in the state. Accordingly, the Bakra Eid prayers should be offered by the citizens at their homes. They neither use mosques nor Eidgahs or public places.
2) Currently, livestock markets are closed. If citizens want to buy animals for sacrifice then they should purchase it online or by telephone.
3) Citizens should make symbolic sacrifices as much as possible.
4) Rules currently applied in the Containment area will remain as it is. There will be no relaxation given on the occasion of Eid ul Azha.
5) Citizens should not crowd or gather in any public place due to Bakra Eid.
6) To prevent the spread of Coronavirus, it will be mandatory to comply with the rules prescribed by the Government Department. All guidelines announced by the Health Department, police and local administration must be followed diligently.
Online system for buying and selling goats
“No festivals will be allowed in the containment zone. An online system will be set up by the government for buying and selling goats. Crowding for sacrifice will be strictly forbidden. Large markets like Deonar will not be allowed to sell the goats,” said Aslam Shaikh, Mumbai Guardian Minister.
“Bakri Eid should be celebrated simply this year given the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Anil Deshmukh, Home Minister, Maharashtra State.
