Bahrain feels real Eid spirit ‘after Covid days’
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Staff Reporter
Finally, after two years, Bahrain witnessed Eid Al Fitr celebrations in their true spirit as the pandemic proved an obstacle for group prayers and social gatherings.
Thousands of worshippers were seen offering prayers at mosques and prayer grounds across the country yesterday.
Across Bahrain, the imams called on worshippers to benefit from the great values of the holy month of Ramadan, by consolidating the Islamic precepts and spreading peace and good deeds.
Sermons focused on upholding Islamic values by spreading peace and love. They also highlighted the Kingdom’s leadership’s contribution towards the welfare of the state and its citizens apart from holding special prayers for the nation’s bright futur
Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Hassan Babu, a Bahrain resident, said he is overwhelmed over the fact that he could celebrate Eid Al Fitr in full fervour.
“We are witnessing Eid celebrations in its most vibrant form. I have never seen this enthusiasm in the past many years, even before the pandemic season.
“Last two years, we have not been celebrating Eid in full spirit as social gatherings are an integral part of Eid celebrations. This year, Allah the Almighty has given us the opportunity to meet and interact with our beloved ones during this special occasion.”
Most of the worshippers, while offering Eid prayers, were seen keeping most Covid-19 protocols in mind. Sufficient distance was kept between worshippers and many were seen wearing masks.
Mohammed Sahal, who has been celebrating Eid in the Kingdom for over ten years now, said everyone should exercise caution despite the decreased Covid-19 threat this time.
“You can see myself and my two sons wearing masks while going to the mosque for prayers. We should acknowledge that the threat is not completely over. It could bounce back any time and this signifies the importance of adopting alertness.”
The holy day is heavily focused on family and friends, with many in the community meeting up to share food and personal bonding.
Vishwanathan Bhasakaran, another Bahrain resident, said Eid Al Fitr is definitely an important day for non-Muslims in the Kingdom as well.
“Every Eid day has been special in my life since I came to the Kingdom, 30 years ago. I visit my Muslim friends on this day and we celebrate the auspicious occasion together. It is the day for bonding and reaffirming our love for each other.
The day also served as a great tourism accelerator for the Kingdom. Foreign tourists mainly from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other countries in the region flocked to the Kingdom to celebrate Eid holidays.
According to senior hotel executives, the occupancy rates remained at peak highs for the past three days. Easing of Covid restrictions also served a boost to the tourism sector in the Kingdom and in the region.
“We have witnessed a maximum influx of tourists during this Eid season. This looks like the continuation of Formula One Season, when we received a record number of tourists from all across the world,” a senior management staff at one of the leading five-star hotels in the Kingdom told The Daily Tribune.
Across the streets, large Bahraini and expatriate people were seen in groups, dressed in colourful clothings, celebrating Eid in full style after the completion of morning prayers. However, later in the afternoon, many had to cancel their travel, family visit, friends visit plans as visibility was severely affected by a dust storm that swept across the Kingdom.
Many preferred to remain indoors as the atmosphere was thickened by dust-laden winds, leading to a low level of horizontal visibility.
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