By Ayman Adly/Staff Reporter

 

Thousands of locals and expatriates performed the Eid prayers at the designated grounds and mosques across the country early yesterday, the first day of Eid al-Fitr, with many turning up for the occasion in their best festive attire.

The occasion brought together the faithful from different walks of life, who, after conclusion of the prayers, wished each other “Eid Mubarak” irrespective of their nationalities, backgrounds and mother tongue.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior’s Traffic Department intensified its patrol presence around such areas to ensure hassle-free entry and exit and avoid any possible congestion or delay on the neighbouring roads.

The Ministry of Endowment and Islamic Affairs had assigned 304 mosques and prayer grounds for the Eid al-Fitr prayers with 31 being allotted for women. It had also carried out necessary co-ordination with related entities in the country to provide people with the required services and facilities.

Most families, whether locals or expatriates, spent the early hours of the day exchanging Eid greeting with relatives and friends, with a special focus on bringing the younger members together.

Such family gatherings during the Eid festivities, particularly on the first day, are of particular significance for most locals and Arab expatriates. Youngsters could be seen in new clothes, gathering around the elders to receive their Eid gift - a small sum of money given as a treat for the occasion.

“It is better to give them brand-new currency notes; they feel happy to receive such a gift. Besides giving gifts, having my grandchildren around also make people like me happy,” said Nawaf, a local man.

While observing that many traditions associated with the Eid festivities are no longer prevalent, he said he was glad that aspects of the festival such as family gatherings and new clothes and gifts for Eid were still common.

“In today’s modern life, many changes have taken place that can make family members break apart and meet only occasionally. Some even prefer to travel abroad during this period and could even go individually, while others spend the Eid days in front of the TV, computers or smartphones, which goes against the spirit of Eid. I wish it to be a good time to revive a warm family atmosphere and ties,” he said.

Most roads in the country experienced limited traffic movement during most of the day, until around 4pm, when  people started going to shopping malls and other places to enjoy the festivities  and meet friends.

The public parks and gardens received fewer visitors during the day due to the hot and windy weather as most families preferred to spend the day indoors and delayed their outdoor trips until the evening.

Eid al-Fitr activities have been organised across the country by Qatar Tourism Authority in collaboration with various organisations and establishments.

 

Doha city wears deserted look in the morning

 

Most business locations in Doha city and its immediate surroundings wore a deserted look throughout yesterday, in particular in the forenoon hours, on account of the first day of the Eid al-Fitr.

Unlike in the previous years, even most of the small eateries remained closed in many locations of Doha. Surprisingly, even a number of neighbourhood groceries also were closed in the forenoon though many of them were opened in the afternoon.

Some branches of Al Meera functioned in the morning hours and were of great help to customers.

The closure of many restaurants in the morning hours caused inconvenience to bachelors relying on them. Even in the otherwise busy Mattar Street most of the establishments remained closed in the morning even though there were reports of some of the eateries opening in the evening.

Today also, many eateries have given a holiday to their staff. .

Though most money exchanges declared a two-day holiday to their staff, some of them will work in the evening today, inquiries found. These include those having branches working in some of the shopping centres. However, many of those stand-alone exchanges have given a holiday to their employees today also.

Meanwhile, after a lean period that started since the World Cup opening in the second week of June, movie halls were back in full swing yesterday.

Though most of the embassies had given holiday to their staff yesterday, many of them are resuming their work today.

 

 

 

 

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