Chennai: The festival of Ramzan was celebrated by Muslims across Tamil Nadu with traditional gaiety and fervour, but on a low key affair in view of the second wave of the COVID pandemic and the total lockdown put in place by the government. Muslims, clad in new clothes, offered special prayers from their homes as the mosques and all places of worship were shut to prevent spread of the corona virus. Sweets were also distributed on the occasion.
There are no mass prayers in any part of the State.Hundreds of Muslims usually congregate at idgah grounds, dargahs and Big Mosque in Triplicane to offer mass prayerS on Ramzan. But, all mosques and idgahs remained empty with people offering prayers in their homes as the government had prohibited all kinds of public gatherings to control the spread of COVID-19 virus.
While most of them offered prayers along with their family members
in their homes, some preferred to conduct prayers on the terrace in
small groups by adhering to the social distancing norms. The Islamic community had urged the state government to celebrate
Ramzan in mosques. But the government sought their cooperation
due to pandemic and advised them to confine it to in-house celebrations.
Minorities Welfare Minister K S Masthan said the DMK always had
respect for the community and the Muslims should celebrate the
festival in their houses by following the precautionary measures
announced by the government. Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Chief Minister M K Stalin, Opposition AIADMK leaders–former CM Edappadi K Palaniswami, Dy.CM O Panneerselvam–and leaders of various political parties greeted the Muslims on the occasion of Ramzan.
In his message, the Governor said ”I convey my heartiest greetings and good wishes to all our Muslim brothers and sisters on the auspicious and joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.” “Marking the culmination of the holy month of Ramzan, this festival strengthens our belief in charity, fraternity and
compassion. The essence of the festival lies in the sharing of love and joy with each other”, he said, according to a Raj Bhavan communique.
“On this joyous occasion, let us re-dedicate ourselves to these eternal values that characterize our civilization”, he added.
”May the noble ideals associated with Eid-ul-Fitr usher in health, peace, prosperity and harmony in our lives”, he said and requested the people to celebrate the festival by following the government guidelines regarding Covid-19 scrupulously. Stay at home and stay safe”.
Mr Stalin, Mr Palaniswami, Mr Panneerselvam and leaders of various political parties included PMK Founder Dr S Ramadoss, his son and Rajya Sabha MP Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, TVK leder T Velmurugan and various Muslim outfits also extended their greetings.