The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the enthusiasm of those who wanted to celebrate the occasion with gatherings at mosques and visiting marketplaces. Furthermore, the sacrifice of a goat is considered to be crucial in this Islamic festival but this time, many of the Muslims are not in a position to afford it.
"Even if we say that the restrictions to curb Covid-19 contagion are little harsh, the people are already not too eager to spend thousands of rupees on goats as everyone is suffering financially during the pandemic. In April, I and my son lost our jobs whereas my younger son is getting paid half of his salary.
We are a family of 12 people and we cannot afford to spend Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 at once with one earning member. This year, we will just pray to Allah for his blessings," said a local Mohammad Raja Ansari. Another local resident from Dalanwala, Athar Siddique said that he has approached several sellers who are selling goats but no one is selling at the usual rates like the last year. "Last year, I bought a goat weighing around 45 kilogrammes for Rs 33,000 but this year, the seller is asking for Rs 45,000.
I think it is good that the administration restricted the supply of goats from other districts because even if they would have come here, only a few have purchased the goats.
However, I also know some people who have bought goats by taking loans from others but not everyone can afford to purchase this way," stated Siddique. Talking about the arrangement during the Eid, the Dehradun polie circle officer (CO) Shekhar Suyal stated that no mass gatherings are allowed in mosques, so people will have to pray at home this year with their families.
On the question of the approval for the sacrifice of goats, Suyal stated that some people have approached the district magistrate regarding this issue and possibly the administration will release some guidelines by Thursday.