Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the most important religious festivals celebrated by Muslims around the world after a month of fasting.
Depending on the sighting of the moon, the beginning of the month of Ramadan and the day of Eid are determined. That is why Muslims celebrate Eid at different times in different countries.
Some of Australia's Bengali-speaking Muslims commenced Eid on Sunday while others celebrated Eid on Monday.
Although there may be disagreement about the day of the Eid celebration, this year's Eid has been exceptional due to the various restrictions imposed due to the global epidemic of coronavirus.
SBS Bangla spoke to some of the Bengali-speaking Muslims living in Australia about their experience this year.
Nusrat Jahan Smriti of Sydney said she was not going to anyone's house and said she was disappointed that she could not offer Eid prayers.
“Since the prayer was not offered, the mind is a little different. Because I celebrate Eid through prayers, ” she said.
In the nursing profession, she has been going to work almost every day.
"Even today, there will be no exception. Since I am not celebrating Eid, I am not going anywhere, I have taken serving people as a way to celebrate Eid. It is through this service that I can remember my Bangladesh.”
Morsalin Khan Dipta, an international student at Western Sydney University, said Eid outside the home country [Bangladesh] is a little different.
"We usually offer Eid prayers, but this time we prayed at home. ”
Khandaker Salek from Melbourne was also reminded of the victims of Cyclone Amphan in Bangladesh during this time of Eid.
"I urge everyone ... to stand by our people."
Mahbub Siraj Tuhin from Adelaide said he had offered Eid prayers at home and attended Eid sermons online and exchanged Eid greetings on phone and through Facebook.
Mahbub Siraz Tuhin Source: Supplied
A GP from Dubbo, Dr Chowdhury Beg, said that they all prayed at home as per the instructions of the local authorities. This time there was no opportunity to hug or embrace anyone. However, he went to the houses of some people following slight relaxation of the rules.
"It can be said that we did not hug at all after the prayer. Many people parked their cars outside. (From the house) I entered after the others left. ”
"I have been communicating with each other through zoom or video on the day of Eid as well as before Eid during Ramadan.
"I went to some people's houses and followed certain rules. For example, before entering the house, I called and found out what is the condition of the people inside? How many people are there? ”
This time, Abul Hossain from Perth, said that Eid was not as big as before. A small Eid congregation of 20 people has been organized there.
Eid in Dubbo Source: Supplied
"Eid-ul-Fitr was not organized like before. I missed that.”
Lutfar Khan from Melbourne said he had never seen such an Eid in his lifetime.
"All the main social attractions of Eid, such as hanging out with relatives, friends, eating delicious foods together, are not happening."
Although it is possible to communicate with everyone through the internet and video, he likens it to "satisfying the taste of milk with buttermilk."
Nusrat Islam Barsha from Melbourne wishes Eid to all and called for funding from the Victorian Multi-Cultural Commission for the Muslim community.
Mahbub Hassan Bahar of Sydney said, "We talked face-to-face with family members and friends through Zoom. Cultural practice, that's not the case this time."
Mahbub Hasan Bahar Source: Supplied
"Most people have prayed in their homes today," Farhad Kamal from Queensland said.
"Today is a normal working day. Family members have shared the joy of Eid among themselves and with friends and relatives, but a social distance. Everyone is connecting with people all over the world using phones and social media. ”
