The customary hugs will not be there after the Id prayers this year. The warmth will be there but the muted celebration will have a constant reminder of the unfolding human tragedy caused by a raging virus.
Muhammad Faizal, 34, a Beniapukur resident, came to New Market on the eve of Id on Thursday to buy new clothes. He returned with only one bag, containing a set of kurta pyjama for his 8-year-old nephew. In previous years, he had to bring along a friend as there would be too many bags.
“This is no time for grandeur because disease and death are all around. Normally, I have colleagues and friends coming over to our place for lunch. But this time, it is going to be just a family affair,” said Faizal, who works for an IT company in Sector V.