No shopping, no celebrations: Hyderabad’s iconic Charminar Bazaar to remain shut this Eid

Hyderabad: Call it a lockdown effect, Charminar shopkeepers have decided to keep the market closed in a run-up to Eid-ul-Fitr.

The Ramazan Eid falls either on Sunday or Monday.

Patel Market and Patthar Gali market have also decided to keep their shops closed. “When there is no Namaz on Eid, then why buying clothes. When we can stop going to Masjids, we can also refrain from shopping,” reads a poster outside one of the shops.

Many Muslim community members have refrained from Eid shopping this year given the lockdown. “This year, I, my family and friends have decided not to buy new clothes. People are suffering from coronavirus and we don’t want to celebrate this year,” said Mohammed Nizar, resident of Banjara Hills.

Charminar’s Mecca Masjid and Jamia Masjid are also shut for prayers. This is happening for the first time in the city.

Many Muslim clerics have asked people to celebrate Eid inside their homes. On May 18, KCR eased few restrictions and allowed shops to open and buses to run in all districts except Hyderabad.

Not only Hyderabad, but many Islamic countries also strictly following lockdown norms. Egypt has banned all Ramadan activities like group iftars and charity tables. Ramadan Bazaars and stalls are shut in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has also called on people to avoid congregational prayers.

This Ramzan we miss, namaz & Taraweeh at Makkah Masjid, shopping around Charminar, night bazaar, pista house haleem, shah Ghouse haleem. pic.twitter.com/EozCTcXkD1

— Ghayas uddin (@ghayasbst) May 16, 2020