Muslims in India celebrated Eid al-Adha on Saturday (August 1) following distancing protocols amid a surge in coronavirus infections across the country.
The crowds were significantly thin compared to previous years at New Delhi’s iconic Mughal-era mosque, Jama Masjid. Thousands still attended the prayers at the mosque, however, with some wearing masks or face covers and many refraining from hugging each other after prayers.
In Lucknow – the capital city of country’s most populous Uttar Pradesh state, only five people prayed at the designated mass praying spot.
“It was done while following protocols during COVID-19. the guidelines of the government of India, advisory of Islamic Centre of India, and appeals from ‘Ulemas’ (Muslim scholars),” said the head cleric, Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali.
Mosques, shrines, and other public places of prayers remained shut in Indian Kashmir’s and wore a largely deserted look as people preferred to pray at homes.
Single-day spike of 57,117 positive cases and 764 deaths were recorded in India, in the last 24 hours. Total COVID-19 positive cases in the country stand at 1,695,988 including 565,103 active cases, 1,094,374 cured or discharged and 36,511 deaths.
(Production: ANI)