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MANAMA: Sending virtual Eid greetings to friends and family and performing prayers at home was the new normal for Bahrain’s citizens and residents yesterday.
With authorities advising physical distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic, they have adapted to the new reality.
Usually, worshippers gather in packed mosques on the first day of Eid to offer early morning prayers but, this year, they have been urged to pray at home and avoid social gatherings.
All mosques and public prayer areas were closed yesterday, the first day of Eid Al Adha.
Authorities have repeatedly urged people to adhere to precautionary measures and avoid large gatherings to avert the spike in cases witnessed during Eid Al Fitr in May.
There have been even calls for hefty fines, like in the UAE, to deter large gatherings.
Most families were complying with preventive measures and exchanging Eid greetings via social media, according to our sister paper Akbhar Al Khaleej.
Some people, however, did go to coastal areas to throw part of their sacrifice in the water, a traditional rite known as Hiya Biya.
In his Eid Al Adha and Friday sermons, streamed live on social media, Al Fateh Grand Mosque imam Shaikh Adnan Al Qattan reiterated the need for a renewed commitment to health guidelines issued by the authorities.
This is the best way to protect health and safety of everyone, he pointed out.
He urged worshippers to place their trust in Allah and pray for an end to the pandemic.
Shaikh Al Qattan also cautioned against believing rumours or fake news posted on social media and warned against reposting them.
Police patrols were also out in force in Muharraq, distributing face masks and leaflets to people.
They urged people to commit to the mandatory precautionary measures and support national efforts to combat Covid-19.
They presented children with gifts and copies of Watani magazine which is issued by the Interior Ministry.
A large number of people flocked to the two licensed abattoirs in Hamala and Sitra to pick up their slaughtered sheep. Up to 300 sheep were slaughtered at Sitra abattoir for individuals and societies during the first two hours due to the big rush.
A total of 2,500 sheep were expected to be slaughtered during the day at Sitra abattoir, apart from the calves.
The Hamala abattoir reported over 2,200 slaughtered sheep between 6am to 6pm, almost double last year’s “sacrifices”.
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