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COVID-19 Dampens Eid Festivities

Ayesha Tanzeem

   ISLAMABAD - Just before Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of the
   Islamic observance of Ramadan, customers in Pakistan rushed to finish
   shopping in bazaars that opened after a nearly two-month lockdown
   because of the coronavirus.

   In many places, crowds simply ignored warnings and guidelines to
   protect against the pandemic.

   "I don't think it's such a big deal," said Rozeena Abbasi, who roamed
   around in an overcrowded market in Islamabad without wearing a face
   mask. "I want people to continue with their lives and routines as
   usual. Whatever is fated to happen will happen."

   Despite her nonchalance, she acknowledged that Eid is going to be
   different this year.

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