New Delhi: The first Roza of Ramadan passed on Saturday amid lockdown in Delhi. During this period, there was silence in most markets and mosques, which has never been seen before during Ramadan. Due to the lockdown, people stayed in the houses and most of the nearby shops were also closed.
Religious sites including mosques have been closed for almost a month. The religious leaders have advised them to stay indoors and keep distance from communion. In such a situation, people could gather together for neither Namaz nor Iftar. “There is a festive atmosphere during Ramadan,” said Burhanuddin, a resident of Lal Kuan in Old Delhi. People flock to the markets and Namazis also increase in mosques. But this time due to the lockdown, people are sitting at their homes.
Food and drink shops in Old Delhi, including Chandni Chowk and the Jama Masjid close by, are packed with not only rozadars but also foodies during Ramadan, but only a few shops were open on Saturday. Burhanuddin said, “Most shops are closed due to lockdown restrictions. Apart from this, there is confusion about opening of shops in the evening.
Another resident said, “Khalja (fried food) eaten with milk and sugar is the complete dosage. But, we cannot find it even at the famous shops like Sri Bhavan and Chenaram near Jama Masjid. ”Due to the closure of religious places, people could not even go to mosques to offer Namaz.
Mufti Mukarram Ahmed, the Imam of the Shahi Mosque of Fatehpuri said, “In Islam it is permissible to offer namaz at home only under special circumstances. So people should stay away from communion in Ramadan due to corona virus and offer namaz and taravih (special namaz which is read at night) in the homes. ”
At the same time, the income of shopkeepers during Ramadan is also good, but this time it does not seem to be happening. “Nothing was done this month,” says Asif, a textile businessman living in Ramesh Park area of Laxmi Nagar. Many people have lost their jobs. So this time it is natural for festivals to reduce. “People of Islam observe fast during the month of Ramadan and Eid is celebrated at the end of the month.
