Muted Ramadan in Kashmir amid coronavirus restrictions

Srinagar: Around the world, the COVID-19 outbreak has cast its shadow over Ramadan. In Jammu and Kashmir, lockdown measures have prevented people from attending congregational prayers and social gatherings. The coronavirus-linked restrictions in Indian-administered Kashmir were brought in after the first positive case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Srinagar on March 18.

The souqs, or markets, lack the usual hustle-bustle as streets wear a deserted look all across Kashmir, with only essential commodities and pharmacies open for the public. According to the 2011 census, 68 per cent of the population of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) comprises Muslims. In Kashmir, the percentage is even higher than that.

Like most other countries, in an attempt to flatten the curve of the number of infected persons, authorities in Kashmir too have barred people from offering Taraweeh prayers in gatherings. Srinagar’s grand mosque — Jamia Masjid — is also shut. In the rest of the mosques across the region, only a few people are being allowed to pray in mosques, but even they have been told to maintain distance.

“We are going through a rough phase. We all should pray and back each other up,” Bilal Ahmed, 33, a muezzin at one of the mosques in the Baramulla district, said.

Mehfooza Begum, 44, is sad for not being able to venture outside her house for special prayers at the Sufi shrine of the mystic saint Hamza Makhdoom Kashmiri, which is located on the southern flank of Hari Parbat Hills (Kohi Maran) in Srinagar. She reminisced how she felt tranquil whenever she visited the shrine every Ramadan.

“It is all together a different experience. I am ravaged for not being able to pay a visit to the shrine, which is in my vicinity. I am praying at home, but I am desperate to visit the shrine,” Mehfooza said.

Anxiety over the pandemic has left people wary of meeting guests during Ramadan, which is the time to socialise.

Gulam Mohammad, 54, who traditionally invites his neighbours to his home during Ramadan, is thoroughly disappointed. “The virus is very alien to us and it has pushed us to suspect each other. It has been disastrous and I’ve not seen a plague on this scale. We even fear visiting each other’s homes,” Rasool said.

Srinagar, a sprawling city of more than 1.5 million, has seen officials and doctors working tirelessly even during Ramadan to fight the novel coronavirus. Here, and in other cities in the Kashmir region, several quarantine centres have been set up. Moreover, volunteers in Kashmir, mostly students, are at the forefront of relief measures, distributing food to the needy across during Ramadan.

“I feel lucky to be a part of this campaign to drop off food items for those who are in need. My heart swells with pride to see others smile. We, as a society, should come forward and help the underprivileged class,” said college student Amir Rehman, a volunteer said.

This time, Ramadan is a low-key affair in Kashmir as coronavirus has dampened the mood. However, natives across Kashmir believe their spirit is still high to make the most of this blessed month.

“We want to give the most to charity and focus on prayers that will resist us from wrongdoings. We all are hoping and praying for the best,” said Farooq Ahmed, chairman for an Islamic seminary in Baramulla.

Until May 12, J&K had reported 914 cases, which included 830 from the Kashmir valley alone. Nine deaths have so far been reported in the valley, as per data provided by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Government of J&K.

“We will keep doing aggressive testing while following strict containment [measures] to fight the novel virus,” Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary Planning and Information, J&K, said.

Local residents still feel blessed to have at least been able to manage their livelihoods through these difficult times with the entire world lamenting the loss of precious lives.