(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Joelyn Baluyut |
The Peninsula
Doha: Two years after the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, this year's Eid Al Fitr was monumental as the faithful celebrated the end of the fasting month of Ramadan with spirit of joy.
With Eid festivals lined-up from the public and private entities, residents and citizens celebrated the occasion with no masks and no social distancing. Qatar has witnessed huge gatherings initially at 520 mosques and prayer grounds for the Eid prayer all over the country, worshippers both the young and adult rejoice marking the festival of breaking the fast.
The Peninsula talked to expatriates who celebrated the first day of Eid Al Fitr and said that because of the improved situation and the decline of COVID-19 cases in the country, communities once again could gather like the old days.
“Huge crowds and congregations – these are the things I miss when the pandemic started. This year's Eid festival is memorable as we slowly get back to normal. It's good to see faces of people without their masks,” Angeli Ruth Redito said who's been working in Qatar for five years.
Harvey Villa, who's been celebrating Eid for the third year, said:“I am grateful to spend this holiday with my family and friends without worrying every single time to wash my hands or put a mask on. Communal bond is crucial not only for our mental health alone but the relationship it holds for each and every one.”
Kim Labad said this year's festivity is a celebration of joy.“For this year, we had a staycation in a hotel instead of being stuck at home for two years because of the fear of infection. We are getting back to the situation where we used to be even as the regulations are still in place.”
The Ministry of Public Health earlier allowed social gatherings with no restriction on capacity or maximum numbers. The Minister of Interior had also announced that wearing of mask is not needed inside malls except for inside the stores from April 2. Meanwhile, people are required to wear masks in all closed public places.
Days before the month-long Ramadan ends, shoppers were seen buying clothes and foods at the traditional market, Souq Waqif.
Salesmen said that they have seen an increase of sales due to this. The Peninsula likewise visited the market and saw the influx of visitors especially families and tourists alike.
Starting today, huge crowds will gather along the stretch of Corniche as the country's first Eid festival commence. It will feature 17 giant balloons along with a marching band, daily fireworks, concerts, carnival games, and concerts - a testament of the unrestricted Eid. Qatar Tourism said they are expecting 10,000 to 15,000 daily visitors for the Eid festival which will run until Thursday, May 5.
Aside from this, the Cultural Village Foundation, Katara also organises daily performances from different Arab nations through its Valley of Cultures programme, and several activities like Eid gifts for children, Planetarium shows and Theatrical plays are also lined-up.
Several malls also have their own programmes to mark the occasion including clown, tree men, bubble, mirror man and magician shows, and Eid gifts for children.
MENAFN03052022000063011010ID1104147367
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.